La Kiuva - Rouge de Vallée 2021

Founded in the second half of the 1970s, La Kiuva is a co-op winery with 50 grower members, located in the heart of the high altitude Aosta Valley, bordered by France west and Switzerland to the north. The word kiuva is local dialect for a 'sheaf of leaves' typically gathered in the fall to feed livestock. It’s also a play on the Italian chi uva, meaning literally 'who grape.' They farm roughly 15 hectares of steep sandy vineyards by hand. This is a blend of 70% Picotendro (local Nebbiolo clone), 30% Gros Vien, Neyret, Cornalin, and Fumin from 400-500m. Post ferment, this rested 8 months in 2/3 stainless, 1/3 barrel before bottling. Pouring a shining, lighter red hue, this opens with wild red currants, raspberries, red licorice and anise, on a joyous, bright palate. Tannins are fine and grippy, and acidity is lofted, with the whole scented with Alpine herbal scrub — a charmer, especially with a light chill.