Valle d’Aosta is one of my favorite region in Italy.
Mountains with lots of snow in the winter and fresh valleys to run to in summer when the heat and humidity of the flat area where I used to live become unbearable. Great wines and fantastic cheese.
The characteristic that I love the most about the wines of Aosta is that they all express a purity and freshness that I haven’t experienced in many other wine region. On top of that, Aosta intrigues me because of its grape diversity. So many varieties thrive in such a small, steep, majestic, and enchanting geographical area.
I found out about Didier Gerbelle from the sommelier of “La Clusaz”, one of my favorite restaurant in Valle d’Aosta. I loved to dine here on my way to Alsace or everytime I drove to the valley.
Didier is a young wine maker who studied in Alba and started his own winery in 2006, although his family has been involved in viticulture for four generations. Currently from his three hectares of vineyards, he produces two whites (Pinot Grigio e Gewurztraminer), four reds (Petit Rouge, Cornalin, Fumin e Premetta), and one passito
The work of Didier is based on the rediscovery of ancient values: native vines and respect for the grapes coming into the cellar, aging in wood with caution.
Torrette superieur is a wine to listen to, understand and wait, sometimes difficult.
One might say that it is like the mountains it comes from.
Its hardness is now anticipated to nose with acid scents of roots, vegetables, dark and smokey.
Complex and rich (70% Petit Rouge then Cornalin and Furmin) but well balanced and long finish at the end.
A surprise you have to try!