Les Cretes
Chardonnay Cuvee Bois 2023
| Denomination | DOC Valle d'Aosta Chardonnay |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 14.0% by volume |
| Area | Aosta Valley (Italy) |
| Grape varieties | 100% Chardonnay |
| Aging | Ageing on the lees with continuous bâtonnage for 10 months; subsequently 12 months in bottle |
- Alpine origin: Chardonnay Valle d’Aosta DOC from Aymavilles, vineyards at 550-750m
- Vinification: Gentle pressing and fermentation in 300-litre French oak
- Ageing: 10 months on the lees with regular bâtonnage, followed by 12 months resting in bottle
- Aromatic profile: Notes of white fruit, hazelnut, vanilla, banana and candied citron
- Pairings: Ideal with fondue, fish dishes, foie gras and blue cheeses
Description
What kind of wine it is
Les Cretes Chardonnay Cuvee Bois is a still white wine that expresses the soul of high-altitude Chardonnay. Produced by Les Cretes according to the principles of heroic viticulture, it is an excellence of the Aosta Valley. It stands out for its balance between structure and oak, with an intense bouquet of white fruit, hints of hazelnut and vanilla. On the palate, it reveals a dense texture, mineral notes and candied citron, leading to an elegant and harmonious finish.
Where it comes from
It originates in Aymavilles, among the steep high-altitude vineyards situated between 550 and 750 metres. The south and north-east exposures favour the ripening of the grapes while preserving their freshness. The vines grow on morainic soils, loose and sandy, which ensure excellent natural drainage. This configuration of the slopes shapes a distinctive flavour profile, precise and consistent with the mountain identity of the Aosta Valley.
How it is produced
The manual harvest takes place in mid-September. After a gentle pressing, the must ferments in French oak barrels, with toasting carefully chosen to balance the contribution of the wood. Maturation involves ageing on the lees for ten months, with continuous bâtonnage that gives density to the aromatic texture. This is followed by a further twelve months of bottle ageing, resulting in a white wine with a golden yellow colour, fruity notes, sweet spices and a structured finish.
History and Curiosities
The Les Crêtes winery practises fascinating heroic viticulture in Aymavilles, continuing the historic passion of the Charrère family since 1750. The Cuvée Bois was created in the 1980s from the meeting between Costantino Charrère and Count Gagnard de la Grange of Puligny-Montrachet. United by their shared use of an ancient pruning method, their friendship inspired meticulous wood ageing. Today, this mountain excellence is acclaimed by the most authoritative guides, winning the prestigious Tre Bicchieri Gambero Rosso.
Awards
-
2023
5Italian Sommelier Foundation (FIS) guide This has been one of the most prestigious wine guides in Italy for over 10 years.
-
2023
3This guide is highly respected and offers the most comprehensive review of Italian wines. It has a long tradition and is based on blind tastings carried out by over 100 experts.
-
2023
3One of the most prestigious wine guides in Italy.
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
12 - 14 °C
Longevity:
05 - 10 years
- Start up year: 1989
- Oenologist: Raffaele Crotta, Eleonora Charrère
- Bottles produced: 250.000
- Hectares: 35
| Name | Les Cretes Chardonnay Cuvee Bois 2023 |
|---|---|
| Type | White green still |
| Denomination | Valle d'Aosta DOC |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 14.0% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 100% Chardonnay |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Aosta Valley |
| Vendor | Les Cretes |
| Story | History and Curiosities The Les Crêtes winery practises fascinating heroic viticulture in Aymavilles, continuing the historic passion of the Charrère family since 1750. The Cuvée Bois was created in the 1980s from the meeting between Costantino Charrère and Count Gagnard de la Grange of Puligny-Montrachet. United by their shared use of an ancient pruning method, their friendship inspired meticulous wood ageing. Today, this mountain excellence is acclaimed by the most authoritative guides, winning the prestigious Tre Bicchieri Gambero Rosso. |
| Origin | Aymavilles, Valle d'Aosta, Italia |
| Climate | South, south-east and north-east exposure. Altitude 550/750 m a.s.l. |
| Soil composition | Morainic, loose, sandy, sloping |
| Cultivation system | Guyot |
| Plants per hectare | 7,500 plants per hectare |
| Yield per hectare | 8,000 kg/ha |
| Harvest | Second half of September |
| Production technique | Soft pressing; fermentation in 300-litre French oak barriques toasted using the traditional method; ageing on the lees with continuous bâtonnage |
| Wine making | Gentle pressing, fermentation in 300-litre French oak barrels toasted using the traditional method, maturation on the lees with continuous bâtonnage for 10 months, followed by 12 months in bottle. |
| Aging | Ageing on the lees with continuous bâtonnage for 10 months; subsequently 12 months in bottle |
| Year production | 250000 bottles |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |