What kind of wine is Valle d'Aosta Nebbiolo DOP 'Sommet' 2020 - Lês Cretes?

The Valle d'Aosta Nebbiolo DOP 'Sommet' 2020 - Lês Cretes is a red mountain wine that embodies the charm and strength of its region of origin. Made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes, it represents an elegant and authentic expression of this varietal, interpreted with the precision and sensitivity that distinguish the Lês Cretes winery. With a medium body and refined personality, this Nebbiolo offers a fresher and more mineral profile compared to Piedmontese expressions, thanks to the altitude and significant temperature fluctuations characteristic of the Valle d'Aosta.

Vintage Details

The 2020 vintage was characterized by balanced climatic conditions: a snowy winter provided good water reserves, followed by a regular spring and a warm but not excessive summer. This allowed for slow and complete ripening of the grapes, resulting in a Nebbiolo with great harmony between structure and aromatic finesse. The harvest, performed by hand in the highest vineyards of Valle d'Aosta, brought perfectly healthy and well-ripened bunches into the cellar.

Winemaking and Aging

The winemaking process for the Valle d'Aosta Nebbiolo DOP 'Sommet' 2020 - Lês Cretes follows a traditional style that respects the fruit: fermentation takes place in stainless steel, with a maceration on the skins for about 10-15 days to extract color and tannins in a balanced way. This is followed by a period of aging in wood, partially in second-passage barriques, which adds complexity without masking the typical freshness of mountain Nebbiolo. A further rest in the bottle completes the work, making the wine harmonious and ready for tasting.

Tasting Notes

The Valle d'Aosta Nebbiolo DOP 'Sommet' 2020 - Lês Cretes is an elegant and distinctive wine, combining finesse and expressive power in perfect balance.

Color

It appears in the glass with a luminous ruby red color with garnet reflections, indicating a subtly hinted evolution and careful processing.

Nose

The nose offers clear and precise aromas: small red fruits like cherry and raspberry give way to floral notes of violet and slight spicy nuances, with hints of licorice and undergrowth. A fine bouquet, typical of Nebbiolo, but with an alpine freshness that makes it unmistakable.

Palate

On the palate, it is balanced and enveloping, with dense but well-polished tannins and a pleasant acidic vein that provides momentum and cleanliness. The finish is long and persistent, with fruity and spicy echoes that invite the next sip.

Food Pairings for Valle d'Aosta Nebbiolo DOP 'Sommet' 2020 - Lês Cretes

The versatility of this Nebbiolo makes it perfect for accompanying numerous dishes of Italian and Aosta Valley cuisine. It ideally pairs with:

• red meat or game dishes, such as braised meats and roasts
• aged cheeses, including hard cheeses
• flavorful pasta dishes like tagliatelle with ragù or mushroom risotto
• typical mountain dishes, such as "polenta concia" or Aosta Valley "carbonada"

It is a wine that expresses its best when tasted at the table, where its elegance accompanies and enhances the flavors of the courses.

Storage and Aging: How to store Valle d'Aosta Nebbiolo DOP 'Sommet' 2020 - Lês Cretes

To best appreciate the qualities of Valle d'Aosta Nebbiolo DOP 'Sommet' 2020 - Lês Cretes, it is important to store it correctly. This wine can evolve positively for several years: its structure and balance allow for an aging potential of 6-8 years. Storage tips:

• ideal temperature between 12°C and 15°C, away from light and heat sources
• bottle laid flat, to keep the cork moist and ensure a perfect seal
• serve at 16-18°C after aerating for a few minutes

Over time, this mountain Nebbiolo will express new nuances, gaining softness and aromatic complexity, a distinctive sign of great wines capable of lasting.