Nebbiolo Les Cretes 2023

The Nebbiolo from the Aosta Valley winery Les Cretes represents a mountainous interpretation of this noble black grape variety, probably originating from Piemonte but cultivated for centuries also in Valle d’Aosta. In fact, testimonies report a connection between Nebbiolo and the Aosta Valley territory as early as the 16th century, while in 1799 Count Nuvolone spoke of a particular sub-variety of Nebbiolo cultivated in Alto Canavese and Valle d’Aosta, named Picotener, now known in the region as Picotendro. This name, synonymous with Nebbiolo, derives from the local dialect and means “small and tender,” referring to the size and consistency of the grapes of this variety.

Les Cretes Nebbiolo comes from only grapes of the eponymous black variety grown at an altitude of over 350 meters above sea level, on the glacial alluvial valley floors of the areas of Arnad and Issogne. Following the harvest, carried out by hand, the bunches are pressed in stainless steel tanks for alcoholic fermentation at controlled temperature, associated with a variable period of maceration on the skins.Always in steel, the wine matures for at least 12 months until the 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 from Les Cretes shows a light ruby red color. The aromas range from fruity and floral notes of cherry, blackberry, and violet to balsamic hints of mint. The progression on the palate is smooth and round, with good freshness and savoriness, featuring a clear and fine finish where the polished tannic structure emerges. Thanks to its juicy taste, this red wine can be paired with a wide range of typical dishes from the regional cuisine, including Valdostana soup.