Grape Variety: Petit Rouge

Colour: Red

Petit Rouge is a red grape variety that grows in the tiny mountain enclave of Valle d’Aosta. On its own it displays attractive soft berry fruit; in blends, in particular in the wines of Torrette, it carries more weight and minerality (although this may be to do with the particular terrain of Monte Torrette.

The full range of style of Petit Rouge can be seen in the various cuvees of Cantina di Barro.

Petite Rouge 2005 - Bright, limpid red. Cranberry-sharp, bright juicy attack, hint of bitter cherry and raspberry pip, easy medium-length almondy finish.

Torrette Superiore, Clos de Chateau Feuillet 2005 - This wine undergoes a short period in old barrels. A traditional blend of Petite Rouge (80%), Gros Rouge, Mayolet and Pr’metta, this wine reveals more complexity. The fruit is reminiscent of wild berries and hedgerow fruits, the aromas are verging towards the gamey, almost meaty and the extra palate-weight lifts it to another dimension. Jamie Goode writes: “The nose shows smooth, quite pure red fruits with a really subtle herby, sappy edge and a hint of sweetness. It’s on the palate the wine excels, with ultra-smooth, elegant red fruits backed up by subtle herbiness and fine-grained tannins. It’s a really pure, natural tasting wine of surprising concentration, despite its rather understated personality - it doesn’t force itself on you, but if you peek below the surface, there’s some depth and seriousness waiting to show itself.”

Torrette Vigni di Torrette 2004 - This wine can reach a blockbusting 15% in certain vintages, but nevertheless has superb balance. This wine is homage to the original Torrette grown on Monte Torrette. Opaque crimson-red, it delivers a rich, unctuous nose of strawberries and liquorice with chunky, meaty notes (seasoned by herbs). This wine exhibits a wild Rhone-like feel. The tannins are powerful, but beautifully integrated, and the wood is a just one part of the whole.

One would happily drink the lighter wines with mushrooms and polenta and the richer versions with such as wild boar.