Les Crétes and Constantino Charrère, great winemaker who made a lot for the world of wines of Valle d’Aosta. One of producers from Valley d’Aosta who cultivated autochthonous varieties from Valle d’Aosta, who helped to save rare varieties, typically cultivated at Valle d’Aosta only , which are the part of cultural heritage and the richness of varieties of Italian wine grapes.
The winery Les Crétes and Constantino Charrère were the first who bottled Fumin in purity in 1993.
Also absolutely the first wine from Prëmeta was created by Constantino Charrère. After the still wine made from Prëmeta variety Constantino Charrère together with Institut Agricolo Regional realised the project to produce Spumante Method Champenoise using unique aroma and expression of Prëmeta grapes, no matter the low natural acidity of the variety itself. This Spumante was put in commerce in 2005.
The next variety which was saved thanks to Institut Agricolo Regional and Constantino Charrère is the fantastic vine variety Mayolet. The problem of this variety is that it is difficult to work with, the vine grape is very compact and, in consequencies, very sensitive to rot.Mayolet is one of the most archaic vines, that is why related to others autochthonous varieties , like there are varieties
Vuillermin and Priè. The typical scents of Mayolet are aroma of blackcurrant , blackberry , the mountain herbs and white pepper. The fantastic bouquet which gives the slight fruity touch in every blend where Mayolet was added.
The company has on to disposal 25 hectares along the orografic axis of Dora Baltea, nearby cities Saint Pierre, Aymavilles, Gressan, Sarre, Aosta e Saint Christophe.
The wine cellar, constructed according to project of architect Domenico Mazza from Courmayeur, is designed like one mountain hut. The mountain hut is the building of about 170 square meters, constructed beside of historic wine cellar of Company. The rooftop reminds the form of mountains.The degustation hall is splendid, with the glass facade through which is opened the view of the mountains pendency and the opposite side of Dora Baltea riverbank.
The soils are morenic, sandy, free-draining, the fresh microclimate , dry and ventilated, the ideal ambience for cultivation of autochthonous varieties.
But let’s come inside of the hall of degustations to taste some wines.
Neblù. 2020.The blend of Prëmeta 40% and Pinot Noir 60%. Pinot Noir helps to stabilise the cherry pink colour , but also add more rich taste to the wine. The grapes are cultivated at the vineyard San Nicola. The cryomaceration for 12 hours, fermentation at 14 degrees for 12 days. The ageing “ sur lie “ for 18 months. Vintage 2020. Pas Dosé. The Spumante, which I like so much,has very fruity aroma, scents of blackcurrant, wild strawberries, after that opened scents of small red fruits also. The bubbles are small,numerous. Spumante is very creamy, intriguing and nicely pungent.
Mon Blanc. Other historical wine of Company. Despite the fact this wine is the basic wine , it’s very nice and drinkable. The blend of autochthonous varieties and international varieties of white grapes, Petit Arvine 30%, Chardonnay 30%, Müller Thurgau 20%, Pinot Gris 20%.
Loose ground, morenic, sandy.
The fermentation for 12 days in stainless steel vats. The colour straw yellow . The aroma is fresh, fruity perfumes with the citrus scents. Mouthfeel is crispy , with optimal acidity which gives the equilibrium, the wine is sapid, mineral, persistent enough. Excellent for food pairings with some aperitif.
Petite Arvine is other very interesting variety, autochthonous from Valais region from Switzerland, but the variety is already naturalised in Valley di Aosta, but nothing strange, the conditions are very similar. The name comes from the Latin name of grape which is originated from Arvine Valley in Haute-Savoy.
Petite Arvine, 2020.The colour is brilliant straw yellow . The sense of smell is floral, gentian, the delicious touch of apple and citrus. The wine is sapid, mineral, crispy , almost vibrant ,the finish
slightly bitter.
The fermentation for 12 days in stainless steel vats, the ageing “sur lies” cca 2 months.
Petite Arvine Fleur. 2019. The grapes are cultivated on vineyards Devin Ros, the cru of Montjovet. The vineyard is exposed at the sun during all the day. Vinification of grape selection, fermentation during 12 days in stainless steel vats, the ageing “ sur lies “ during 9 months. The wine is fragrant, floral, the white flowers, broom, fruity, citrus, lime, grapefruit, at finish expression scents very ligh and delicate aroma of hydrocarbons. Mouthfeel is fragrant, crispy, more evolved, sapid , persistent.
Fabulous Chardonnay Cuvée Bois 2019. Vineyards San Nicola, San Christoffo. The ageing in 300 l French oak . The first time was produced in 1993. The color gold yellow. The sense smell is intense, fruity, the aroma of peaches, hazelnut, butter, dry fruits. The wine is harmonious ,elegant and rich.
La Sabla, also this one is one of wines created by Constantino Charrère. I have seen the unique set of the three buttles of different vintages with different etiquettes, but also different technologies , for example one of old vintages was passed by barrique.
Blend . Petite Rouge 30%, Fumin 30%, Mayolet 10%, Barbera 30%, Aymavilles, vineyards La Sabla, Bufferia e Sazzé.
Despite the fact that we are talking about the table wine, I like it so much. This blend is very interesting and harmonious. Color intensive ruby- red. Aroma of red fruits, spices, the slight touch of black pepper. Palate is rich, fruity, smooth, fragrant, pleasant equilibrium in freshness , persistent wine.
Nebbiolo Sommet. Nebbiolo aka Picotendro. Cultivated at the Verrés locality. The aroma is very delicate, strawberries, red fruits. Nebbiolo from Valley di Aosta is not such potent and body variety as in the Piedmont , but more fresh and fruity .
Torrette Superiore, 2019. Grape varieties Petit Rouge 70%, 30% others autochthonous varieties, exactly Cornalin, Fumin, Mayolet. Fermentation for 8 days in stainless steel vats. Ageing in stainless steel vats for 8 months, after in bottle during 5 months. Ruby-red colour with violet reflections. The nose is floral, violet, fruity,morello cherry. The wine is fresh and mineral.
Fumin, 2018. The other autochthonous vine grape from Valley di Aosta, which I like so much.
Fermentation during 12 days in stainless steel vats at the controlled temperature 24 degrees, with every day reassembly .Ageing 12 months in French oak.
Ruby-red colour with violet reflexes. The aroma of blackberry, plum, spices, delicate touch of tobacco, licorice at the finish. Velvety tannins. The wine is fruity, juicy, the vibrant freshness, medium body, persistent. Nice wine.
Doré. Wine from the overripe grapes. Very fresh, fruity, particularly thanks to freshness and nice full acidity, one of passito wines which I like. The colour golden yellow. Bouquet full of dry apricot , honey, aromatic herbs. Mouthfeel appears fruity, fresh, sapid and persistent.
Place where I turn every time with joy in the heart , I have fallen in love with this beautiful place in proximity of Aymavilles castle, fenced by vineyards, with the marvellous view of vineyard Coteau La Tour. I have done many walkings between vineyards and historic place Coteau La Tour seems to me like the visualised dream.
