Nebbiolo Les Cretes 2020

The Nebbiolo from the Valle d'Aosta winery Les Cretes represents an Alpine interpretation of this noble black berry variety, which probably originated in Piedmont but has also been cultivated in Valle d'Aosta for centuries. In fact, evidence reports of the link between Nebbiolo and the Valle d'Aosta territory as far back as the 16th century, while in 1799 Count Nuvolone spoke of a particular sub-variety of Nebbiolo cultivated in the Alto Canavese and Valle d'Aosta, by the name of Picotener, known today in the region as Picotendro. This appellation, a synonym for Nebbiolo, comes from the local dialect and means 'small and tender', a reference to the size and consistency of the berries of this variety.

Les Cretes Nebbiolo is made exclusively from grapes of the black berry variety of the same name grown at an altitude of over 350 metres above sea level, on the glacial-origin alluvial valleys of the Arnad and Issogne areas. Following the harvest, which is carried out by hand, the grapes are placed in stainless steel tanks for temperature-controlled alcoholic fermentation, combined with a variable period of maceration on the skins. Again in stainless steel, the wine matures for at least 12 months until final bottling, without the use of wood, in order to offer the freshest and purest expression of this mountain Nebbiolo.

In the glass, the Nebbiolo of Les Cretes shows a pale ruby red colour. The aromas range from fruity and floral scents of cherry, blackberry and violet to balsamic hints of mint. The progression on the palate is soft and round, with good freshness and savouriness, and a clean, fine finish in which the smooth tannic texture emerges. Thanks to its juicy flavour, this red wine can be paired with a wide range of typical regional dishes, including Valdostan soup.