Grosjean - Vigne Rovettaz Cornalin, 2016
The Grosjean family used to raise cattle in the mountain passes of Aosta Valley known as Valgrisenche. In the summer, they cultivated chestnuts and grapes for personal consumption. It was only in 1969 that the Grosjeans started a proper wine business, after receiving praise for their products at a local wine expo.
Today the estate encompasses 7 hectares of vineyards, planting a range of local grape varieties: petit rouge, gamay, pinot noir, petit arvine, fumin, premetta, vuillermin and cornalin d’Aoste (humagne rouge). Grosjean is militant about the adoption of sustainable farming principles. Only organic fertilisers are used, chemicals are banned and natural yeasts are always preferred.
In the glass, the wine has a ruby hue with a medium intensity of colour. Once your nose approaches this wine, a vast sea of succulent black fruit emerges from the depths of the glass, dominating the youthful profile. There are flavours of blackberry, red and black cherry and blueberry. An alluring spiciness kicks in, followed by notes of undergrowth, leather, bay leaves and a touch of violet. Hints of bark, clove and a suggestion of animal fur are detectable once the wine completely opens up.
On the palate, the fruit is both crunchy and ripe. Notes of red and black fruit mingle with liquorice and Mediterranean spices. The tannins are high and genuine, but still refined and persistent. Aromas of toast and charred wood mark the finish. Medium to full in body. Focused and crisp, the wine’s signature has a sort of rustic grace. Thanks to the wine’s high acidity, you enjoy every single sip, and this red never gets heavy. Alpine wines are often tasty and fascinating. “Vigne Rovettaz” Cornalin is no exception.