Although the Valle d'Aosta is categorized as subalpine, and there are several pockets that are considerably warmer. These south-facing parcels are able to ripen a variety of indigenous grapes, with the most important being Petit Rouge. The Di Barró Torrette Superieur is an easy drinking, medium bodied wine with red berry and herbal notes.
Designation
Grape Varieties
Type
Soil
Aspect
Vineyard
WINERY
Fermentation
Aging
Alcohol
AT HOME
Serving Temperature
Cellaring
Vallée d’Aoste DOC,
Subzone Torrette
90% Petit Rouge, 10% indigenous varieties Premetta, Vien de Nus, Cornalin, Fumin and Vuillermin
Dry, red wine
70% sand, with loam and clay, over fissured granite
Southern exposure at 2500 feet (750 meters). Average slope of 30 degrees.
From two vineyards near Saint-Pierre: Vigne de Torrette and Clos de Chateau Feuillet. Vine age is between 20 and 30 years old.
Harvest in October. Grapes are carried across the river for soft pressing. Wines are fermented in temperature controlled steel using indigenous yeasts.
Matures for 24 months in stainless steel tanks. Further aging in the bottle for six months before release.
14%
60°F (13°C)
VINEYARD
15 years
Appearance:
Medium purple color
Taste:
Raspberry, strawberry, mint, oregano. Dusty finish.
Nose:
Black olive, peppercorns, coffee, raspberry, current, clove, grilled sausage, milk chocolate, pine branch
Pairing:
Grilled red meats, kale or other bitter greens, gnocchi with tomato sauce, fontina cheese.
Why We Love This Wine
We have a deep appreciation for unique and interesting wines, and one that stands out to us is Di Barró Torrette Superieur. It’s amazing how a red with such rich pigment and flavor can emerge from a cold and marginal climate. Torrette refers not only to the name of the wine but also to a specific region in the mid valley to the west of the town of Aosta. The land surrounding Saint-Pierre has always been recognized as the best, although the Consorzio expanded the designated area in 1985. DiBarró Torrette Superieur originates from the original zone, from two renowned vineyards near Saint-Pierre; Vigne de Torrette and Clos de Chateau Feuillet. The vineyards are situated at elevations ranging from 2,100 to 2,700 feet.
The Di Barró Torrette Superieur is a traditional blend, predominantly composed of 90% Petit Rouge (known as Picciourouzo in the local dialect) which imparts fruitiness to the wine. Additionally, indigenous grape varieties such as Cornalin, Fumin and Vuillermin contribute to its structure and body. Trace amounts of Premetta and Vien de Nus grapes also enhance the blend. The harmonious combination of grape varieties creates a wine that is ready to be enjoyed immediately upon opening a bottle.
The fruit aromas predominantly lean towards the red spectrum, with the exception of black olive. In contrast to many of our other wines, the DiBarro Torrette Superieur exhibits a soft and supple character with rounded tannins. The taste is an exquisite balance of strawberry, mint, and oregano, and as the refreshing acidity subsides, it leaves behind a pleasant dusty finish. It is a delight to experience, captivating wine enthusiasts with its unique qualities.
Torrette
Superieur
2019
About the Winery
High in the alps, overlooked by Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn, sits the tiny estate of Di Barró. Since 1998, it has been run by the couple Elvira Rini and Andrea Barmaz, with their children Matteo and Francesca taking on increasing roles. The ten acres of vineyard sits between 2000 and 3000 feet in elevation, and sit between the hamlets of Saint Pierre, Villeneuve, and Sarre. 18,000 bottles (1,500 cases) are produced across all wines.
Images Courtesy of Di Barró