​Valle d’Aosta D.O.P. Torrette Les Cretes

This is the case of the most important autochthonous black grape variety of Valle d'Aosta, the Petit Rouge, and of one of the best known and renowned wineries of this fascinating area, the largest private winery in the region, Les Cretes. Its Petit Rouge, produced in its historic and most suitable area, is a real gem that allows wine enthusiasts to fully enjoy the many qualities of this vine.

Here is the review of the 2022 vintage.

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Les Cretes is a modern winery of Valle d'Aosta, officially founded in 1989 by Costantino Charrère and managed by the Charrères, with Costantino and Imelda and their daughters Elena and Eleonora, who carry on a centuries-old family tradition of food and wine production.

It was Antoine, Costantino's father, who introduced wine into the range of products of the family business, aiming to enhance the historical and typical varieties of the Valle d'Aosta. Subsequently, Costantino decided to dedicate himself exclusively to the practice of viticulture, giving life to the current Les Cretes winery. He was responsible for the rediscovery of some local vines that were in danger of disappearing such as Premetta or Prié Rouge and Fumin. More generally, he is responsible for the success of many Valle d'Aosta varieties in the national and international wine scene. Les Cretes produces grapes from autochthonous vines such as Cornalin, Vuillermin, Petit Rouge, Fumin, Premetta, Neblu, or Italian and international varieties spread locally such as Gamay, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Nebbiolo , Petite Arvine, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and many others. In Les Cretes wines there is all the oenological potential of the Valle d'Aosta.

The winery is located in Aymavilles, at the foot of Mont Blanc, and has 35 hectares of vineyards located in various municipalities in the Valle d'Aosta, in the most suitable areas of the region: mainly, Saint Pierre, Aymavilles, Gressan, Sarre, Aosta and Saint Christophe. These are small plots in areas characterized by a steep slope, at high altitudes, with moraine and sandy soils, rich in minerals, and with an alpine climate with strong temperature variations. These conditions favor the aromatic development of the grapes, the aromas of which are clearly perceptible in the wines produced. A characteristic that we find in the winery's Petit Rouge-Torrette.

Torrette Les Cretes is produced in the historic and most suitable area for Petit Rouge. We are within the area of "Torrette", which also includes part of the territories of the municipalities of Aymavilles, St. Pierre, Gressan and St. Christophe, where the best Petit Rouge grapes are grown and selected. The percentage of Petit Rouge used for the production of this wine is 70%, while the remaining 30% is reserved for other regional autochthonous vines: Mayolet, Cornalin and Fumin. The grapes are harvested manually in mid-October. They are then refrigerated and destemmed. This is followed by alcoholic fermentation at a controlled temperature (26°C), for approximately 12 days, in steel containers, to preserve the primary aromas of the grape variety. For the same reason, the refinement also takes place in stainless steel for approximately 6 months and for 2 months in the bottle.

Let's taste the 2022 vintage.

Valle d'Aosta D.O.P. Torrette Les Cretes 2022 is a bright ruby red wine, with evident purple reflections. The bouquet of aromas is easily recognisable. After all, as we have written, the winemaking method aims precisely to enhance the primary aromas of the vine. Notes of violet and rose are perceived, with delicate hints of raspberry and sensations that remind us of almond. Balance reigns in the mouth: it has body, structure and alcohol content (13.5% vol.), well balanced by a light and fresh acidulous and mineral vein.

An excellent wine to pair with cured meats, grilled meats and with typical mountain or Valle d'Aosta dishes, such as cheese fondue or mushroom-based dishes.

Did you know Torrette Les Cretes? Have you ever tasted it? What do you think?