Elio Ottin Pinot Noir Valle d'Aosta 2021

You hold the wine in your hand. A glass that is more than just liquid. The »Elio Ottin Pinot Noir Valle d’Aosta 2021« carries the name of the Ottin family, who harvest it from the alpine region of Valle d’Aosta. Here, at the border to France and Switzerland, the grapes grow on sandstone soils, which impart mineral traces into the bottle. The wine is dry, fine and elegant, with a character that becomes evident in the glass. It tells the story of nature, viticulture and the passion of the Ottin family.

Terroir and Climate

The region Valle d’Aosta is small, but fascinating. The vines grow at altitudes of up to 1,200 metres, where the air is cooler and the sun is sharp. The sandstone soil, rich in minerals, gives the wine a fine, rounded body. The grapes from 2021 were planted at altitudes of 650–700 metres, where the nights are cold and the days are sunny. This climatic effect shapes the wine, which reveals itself in the nose with red berries, geranium and licorice. The bottle is 0.75 l in size, a standard measure that presents the wine perfectly. The region is part of the Italian wine landscape, where wines from the Alpine region often stand out for their coolness and finesse.

Family Ottin and Their Philosophy

Elio Ottin and his son Niklas are the winemakers who draw the wine from Valle d’Aosta from nature. The family has been working with agriculture and viticulture for decades, but it was in 2007 that Elio decided to process the grapes himself. This step brought the Ottin winery to a new peak. The grapes are hand-harvested, cooled fermented and spontaneously fermented. The philosophy of the Ottins is clear: they trust nature, but they ensure the best maturation. Region Aosta is known for its wines, which stand out for their finesse due to the cool climate and mineral soils.

Production of the Wine

The »Elio Ottin Pinot Noir Valle d’Aosta 2021« is made from 100 % Pinot Noir (Spätburgunder). The grapes were planted at a density of 8,000 vines per hectare, requiring intensive care. Fermentation occurred spontaneously over ten days, followed by a twelve-month maturation. Wood played a role: 75 % in Barriques with a low new oak content and 25 % in large casks. The bottle ageing lasted four months, while the remaining time was spent in wooden casks. This process gives the wine its depth and structure. The winemaking follows the DOP regulation, which guarantees the quality of wines from the region Valle d’Aosta.

Taste and Aromas

The wine presents itself in the glass with a cherry red colour, reminding the nose of red fruits, geranium and licorice. In the mouth, it is juicy, with clear fruit and fine spice. The tannins are silky, the acidity provides freshness. There is a fine acidity nerve that brings the wine to life. The aromas of red berries and leather are subtle, while the mineral note underlines the wine. The wine is dry, but not drying – it lingers in the mouth until the last drop disappears. It harmonises with dishes like game, cheese and juicy meat.

The 2021 Vintage and Quality

The 2021 vintage is special because the grapes in Valle d’Aosta were able to ripen optimally. The cold of the nights and the sun of the days create a balance between fruit and acidity. The wine is DOP, meaning it meets the highest quality standards. The DOP certification is a sign that the wine comes from the region Valle d’Aosta and was produced with particular care. The grapes were not filtered, to preserve all aromatic compounds. This step makes the wine particularly intense. The wine is an example of Italian wines that stand out for their finesse and depth.

The Wine in Comparison

»Elio Ottin Pinot Noir Valle d’Aosta 2021« is an embodiment of harmony. It pairs with meat dishes, game and cheese. The wine harmonises with the aromas of the dishes without overpowering them. It is an Alpine Pinot Noir with a cool-climate character that surprises in the glass. The grapes from Valle d’Aosta are not only a product of nature, but also a sign of the work of the Ottin family. The wine is worth €30, which justifies the quality and origin from the region Valle d’Aosta. It is a connoisseur’s wine that stands out for its balance and finesse.

Summary

The »Elio Ottin Pinot Noir Valle d’Aosta 2021« is a wine that contains more than just the bottle. It carries the name of the Ottin family, who harvest it from the alpine region of Valle d’Aosta. The grapes grow on sandstone soils, which impart mineral traces into the bottle. The wine is dry, fine and elegant, with a character that becomes evident in the glass. It pairs with meat dishes, game and cheese, while the aromas of red berries and leather delight the palate. The wine is DOP, which underlines the quality, and costs €30 – an investment that is worth it. The Pinot Noir Valle d’Aosta 2021 is an embodiment of harmony, uniting nature and the work of the Ottin family.

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