La Kiuva - Rouge de Vallee
$37.99
Region:Italy > Valle D Aosta
Vintage:2021
A blend of 70% Picotendro (local Nebbiolo clone), 30% Gros Vien, Neyret, Cornalin and Fumin.
La Kiuva is a tiny co-op in the Vallée d'Aoste, whose headquarters are in Pied de Ville. It was created in 1975 and its first vintage was 1979. Today, it consists of just 60 growers comprising 25 hectares of vines (18 in DOC) and producing around 8000 cases total. In this way it is more akin to a fine small winery with each grower tending their small plot like in Burgundy with the co-operative's agronomist ensuring the highest quality of viticulture. Most of the grower members farm organically. Kiuva means a bale of chestnut leaves used to feed animals during the winter.
All the vineyards are located between 380 and 500 meters above sea level, with the white and aromatic varieties being planted at the higher levels and the vineyards at the lower levels producing wine with greater structure and body that is aged in wood. The older vineyards are pergola-trained but the newer vineyards are cane-trained along wires. The diurnal difference is greater than in Piemonte, due to the proximity of the Alps and thus the harvest period is prolonged. The higher elevation is also advantageous when there is excessive rain.