What kind of wine is Valle d’Aosta Syrah DOP 'Côteau La Tour' 2020 - Les Crêtes

The Valle d’Aosta Syrah DOP 'Côteau La Tour' 2020 - Les Crêtes is a red wine of great elegance and personality, made from 100% Syrah grapes grown in the charming setting of the Valle d’Aosta. This grape variety, originating from the Rhône Valley in France, finds a new expression here thanks to the alpine microclimate and sandy, morainic soils that give the wine a distinctive aromatic finesse and a balanced structure. The body is full yet harmonious, with a sip that envelops and surprises with its fresh finish, a distinctive characteristic of mountain reds.

Vintage details

The 2020 vintage was characterized by stable and sunny weather, with good temperature variations between day and night. These conditions favored uniform ripening of the grapes, enhancing the aromatic profile of the Syrah and allowing for soft, well-rounded tannins. The harvest, carried out manually in early October, ensured the selection of the best bunches.

Winemaking and aging

After harvesting, the grapes are destemmed and sent for fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the freshness of the fruit. Maceration on the skins, lasting approximately 10 days, allows for balanced extraction of color and aromas. Aging continues for several months in French oak barriques, which impart complexity and soft spicy notes without overpowering the varietal purity of the Syrah. This is followed by a further period of rest in the bottle, allowing the wine to harmonize and reach its full expressiveness.

Tasting notes

Color

In the glass, it presents an elegant, intense ruby red color, with violet reflections that reveal its youth and vitality.

Nose

The nose opens with aromas of ripe red fruits such as blackberry and currant, accompanied by notes of black pepper, licorice, and a slight hint of vanilla derived from oak aging. The overall bouquet is complex yet balanced, clean and refined.

Palate

The palate is full and velvety, with an elegant and well-integrated tannic texture. The typical freshness of mountain wines balances the structure, providing smoothness and persistence. The finish is long, harmonious, and highly consistent with the olfactory sensations.

What dishes to pair with Valle d’Aosta Syrah DOP 'Côteau La Tour' 2020 - Les Crêtes

This Aosta Valley Syrah pairs perfectly with robust yet elegant dishes. Ideal for accompanying:

• grilled or roasted red meats;
• braised and stewed game;
• aged hard cheeses;
• typical mountain dishes, such as polenta concia or fontina gnocchi.

Thanks to its versatility, it can also be served with spicy international cuisine dishes, where its peppery notes find a natural synergy.

Storage and aging: how to store Valle d’Aosta Syrah DOP 'Côteau La Tour' 2020 - Les Crêtes wine

To preserve the qualities of Valle d’Aosta Syrah DOP 'Côteau La Tour' 2020 - Les Crêtes, it is advisable to store it in a cool place, with a constant temperature between 12 and 16°C, away from direct light and temperature fluctuations. The bottle should preferably be kept in a horizontal position, so that the cork remains moist and ensures a perfect seal. This wine has excellent aging potential: it can be enjoyed immediately to appreciate its full fruit and freshness, but it will show its best after 5-8 years of aging in the cellar, when the spicy and balsamic notes will become deeper and more enveloping.