What kind of wine is Valle d’Aosta Pinot Gris DOC “Brulant” 2023 - Les Cretes?

The Valle d’Aosta Pinot Gris DOC “Brulant” 2023 - Les Cretes is an elegant and authentic white wine, an expression of the alpine character of Valle d’Aosta. Made from Pinot Gris grapes grown on the sunny slopes of the region, this wine is born in a context of high altitude and significant temperature variations, elements that enhance its freshness, aromatic balance, and minerality.

The style of “Brulant” is that of a modern and versatile white: fresh, fragrant, and with a delicate structure that invites drinking. It is a wine that perfectly reflects the encounter between the Aosta Valley tradition and the oenological experience of the Charrère family, who have been leading the Les Cretes winery for years.

Vintage Details

2023 in Valle d’Aosta was characterized by a mild spring and a balanced summer, with sunny days and cool nights. The well-distributed rainfall favored uniform ripening of the Pinot Gris grapes, maintaining an excellent level of acidity and intense aromas. The result is a particularly harmonious vintage, yielding dynamic wines with a distinct aromatic personality.

Winemaking and Aging

The grapes are harvested at full ripeness and pressed whole to preserve the purity of the juice. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature (13-15 °C) for about 15 days, ensuring maximum varietal expression. This is followed by aging on lees for 9 months, which gives the wine softness and complexity. After bottling, “Brulant” rests in glass for another 4 months before release, thus reaching its full expressiveness.

Tasting Notes

The Valle d’Aosta Pinot Gris DOC “Brulant” 2023 - Les Cretes is a refined wine that captivates with its balance and alpine character. Its sensory characteristics are clearly expressed through color, aromas, and taste.

Color

It presents a brilliant straw yellow with golden reflections, which anticipate its lively freshness and good structure.

Nose

The aroma is intense and complex: hints of pear, white peach, and wild flowers intertwine with mineral notes and slight nuances of alpine herbs. The bouquet is clean and harmonious, typical of mountain wines.

Taste

On the palate, it is fresh and juicy, with a pronounced acidity that supports its drinkability. The long, mineral finish recalls the stony soil of the Les Cretes vineyards and makes this Pinot Gris ideal for pairing with a wide range of dishes.

What to pair with Valle d’Aosta Pinot Gris DOC “Brulant” 2023 - Les Cretes

Thanks to its versatility and balanced freshness, “Brulant” lends itself to numerous gastronomic pairings:

• Light appetizers such as fish carpaccios and gourmet salads
• Seafood dishes, from risottos to fish soups
• Medium-aged cheeses, including soft cheeses
• Mountain cuisine such as herb trout, savory pies, and dishes based on seasonal vegetables

It is a wine that prefers a simple but refined table, where the quality of the ingredients accompanies the purity of its taste.

Storage and Aging

For those wondering how to store Valle d’Aosta Pinot Gris DOC “Brulant” 2023 - Les Cretes wine, the answer is simple: as it is a fresh and delicate white, it is recommended to keep it in a cool, dark place with a constant temperature, ideally between 10 and 14 °C. Avoid temperature fluctuations and direct light, which could alter the aromas.

“Brulant” expresses its liveliness best within 2-3 years of the harvest. Over time, it can evolve towards softer, honeyed tones, but will lose some of its typical mineral freshness.