Caves de Donnas
Of all the winery visits, this truly is an extraordinary place to see. Nestled within the Alps in the valley of the Valle d' Aosta, winemaking here is unreal. We are talking extremes that are certainly not for the faint-hearted. Donnas vineyards reach an altitude of around 500m, with the steep slope of the mountain met with ancient terrace walls, which make for tricky growing conditions. The emphasis on manual labour appears backbreaking, given the absence of modern machinery, so it's no wonder that production is so small from this appellation.
Yet, the local Picotendro (i.e., otherwise known as Nebbiolo) finds its way amongst the pretty landscape. This is a good thing, given the ethereal quality of Nebbiolo this far North, where evidence suggests it favours this climate. Sharing similar style to the Alto Piemonte and Valtellina for youthful perfumed beauty, this acts as a marked contrast from the more muscular and austere Nebbiolo found in Barolo and Barbaresco.
Formed as a co-operative in the early 1970's, the Cave is one of only a couple of producers in the subzone, where the difficulties in making wine in notable volumes meant that producers coming together made more economic sense.
Like neighbouring Carema, the emphasis is to enjoy these wines now, not park in a cellar for years, waiting in the hope its eventually drinkable. Long live freshness!
Yet, the local Picotendro (i.e., otherwise known as Nebbiolo) finds its way amongst the pretty landscape. This is a good thing, given the ethereal quality of Nebbiolo this far North, where evidence suggests it favours this climate. Sharing similar style to the Alto Piemonte and Valtellina for youthful perfumed beauty, this acts as a marked contrast from the more muscular and austere Nebbiolo found in Barolo and Barbaresco.
Formed as a co-operative in the early 1970's, the Cave is one of only a couple of producers in the subzone, where the difficulties in making wine in notable volumes meant that producers coming together made more economic sense.
Like neighbouring Carema, the emphasis is to enjoy these wines now, not park in a cellar for years, waiting in the hope its eventually drinkable. Long live freshness!
Caves de Donnas's wines
Sorry, there are no wines available from this producer. Yet.