Red

Organic / Biodynamic / Natural

96 points James Suckling

Contemporary and fine, vinous and fragrant, this is focused on dark fruit and fresh roses with leather and meaty depth. There is a hidden complexity that slowly reveals itself. Supple on the medium-bodied palate, this has moderate acidity and ripe, elegant tannins with slightly peppery flavors. Fruity and superjuicy with a savory aftertaste. From organically and biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.

100% Teroldego. This is the estate's core red: first bottled by Elisabetta's parents back in 1960 and their largest production today. It comes from 9 hectares of estate vines, planted from 1956 to 2005 on the flat, sunny, well-drained Camp Rotaliano plateau right around the winery. The soils are a range of alluvial sand and gravel and feature Dolomitic limestone. Older vines are trained traditionally in pergola; younger vines are trained on wires in guyot. The farming is certified biodynamic. There are 15 separate parcels, all hand-harvested and vinified separately. The bunches are partly destemmed and partly left intact, depending on the vintage; the uncrushed berries and the whole clusters are layered in cement tanks, where they ferment spontaneously with indigenous yeasts and no sulfur. The wine is aged for around a year in well-worn, 20-40-hectoliter botti and bottled without fining or filtration and with a small dose of sulfur.

 

Organic

High-toned red fruits, crushed rocks and alpine herbs all combine to perk up the senses in this well-crafted mountain wine. With vines grown up to 3,500 feet, this blend of Syrah, Petit Rouge and a touch of Cornalin light up the palate with lifted cherry and cranberry notes, wild game and white pepper. Fine tannins and mouth-watering acidity give the wine's finish a big push that goes on for a long time.

The Aosta Valley lies at the foot of Europe’s highest mountain, Mont Blanc, in the northwestern corner of Italy. Surrounded by the Alp's highest peaks, Aosta is home to Europe’s highest vineyards many of which reach heights over 1,000 meters. The soils are mainly rocky and alluvial, with slate, granite and quartz.

Despite the alpine position, located at the south side of the Alps the Aosta Valley is blessed with a high amount of sunshine and relatively low rainfall. Due to geographical, physical, and climatic limitations, Aosta Valley has always been considered a “harsh” territory. Therefore, wine production is focused on quality rather than quantity. A fine example is the Rosset winery where quality is at the forefront, if you can find their wines.

The Rosset family decided to plant their first vineyards in the area of Saint Christophe in 2001. The first cultivated plot was about three hectares at an altitude of around 750 meters. The varieties planted were Chardonnay, Syrah, and the indigenous Cornalin. Some years later, Petit Rouge, another autochthonous red variety, was planted in the same area.