Spent the week rummaging around wine shops seeking a worthy candidate for the Wines Under the Radar weekly post. It’s wonderful work especially when you come across something you rarely encounter, but there it was, mixed in with all the other Italian selections, the elusive Torrette from the Vallée D’Aoste. A wine region in the Alps of northwest Italy, think Switzerland just to the north and France to the west. The Grosjean Torrette, Vallée D’Aoste 2016 is composed of 80% Petit Rouge, and a 20% mix of other red varietals (see below). It was just the type of wine I was hoping to find. A wine from high altitude with plenty of attitude.
The Grosjean Torrette, Vallée D’Aoste 2016 is medium dark cherry in color and has alluring aromatics of herbs, smoke, and fresh but deep raspberry tones. The flavors are a continued blend of herbs and dark berries that are not too soft and not too loud. Just a lovely texture on the palate. The wine finishes with purity and harmony. Very well balanced and just so easy to drink. Certified Biodynamic All this in a bottle around the $20 mark, makes for an exceptional Wines Under the Radar.
Find It: Email [email protected]
Region Torrette , Vallée D’Aoste, Italy
Grape 80% Petit Rouge and 20% mix of Vien de Nus, Doucet, Fumin and Mayolet
Soil 85% Sand / 15% rock fragments, cobbles, gravel
Production approx 1000 Cases
Vinification Stainless Steel with 8 months of barrel aging
Alcohol 13%