Lo Triolet Valle D'Aoste Gamay

The Valle d’Aosta, in the extreme northwest of Italy, is tucked into the Alps and bordered by France and Switzerland. It’s Italy’s smallest region, approximately the size of Rhode Island. The high elevation vineyards and French (or French derived) varietals make wines of exceptional elegance with a continental pedigree but Italian flavor—here the clash of cultures at the border has created something wonderful and unique. The tiny Triolet winery is located in Introd, Aosta, on the south side of the Dora Baltea river and just three miles from the spectacular peaks of the Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso. The Martin family runs the winery as well as a small agriturismo all at 760 meters (2500 feet!) above sea level in a historic building dating back to 1656. The history of the winery is comparatively short: it was founded in 1993 by Marco Martin, who had learned his trade growing up in a family of vignerons, and eventually working as a viticultural expert for the regional (and autonomous) government of Valle d’Aosta. This Gamay is ruby red in color with lingering aromas of red fruits. Fresh and dry on the palate with a savory finish.