Aosta's Aperitif: Cottage Vineyards hosts a night of suburb Italian wine

With oenophiles starting to explore the French region of Bordeaux, from 2011 onwards, Burgundy wines have grown into prominence worldwide, particularly in Asia. No surprise then that the Valle d’Aosta, which lies just 400kms northeast of this prized province near Italy’s north-west border with France and Switzerland, is coming into its own as a premium winemaking region. Here, top-notch grapes suitable for viticulture are grown along the slopes of Mont Blanc, one of Europe’s highest peaks, at an elevation of 1,200 metres above sea level.

With the temperature fluctuating between warm and freezing, the region produces longer-lived and healthier wines of great character and purity.

However, so far the wines produced in this region had not reached worldwide fame despite their quality and uniqueness, due to the region’s inherent inaccessibility until recently. Thankfully, in 2015, all that changed as the Skyway Monte Bianco opened a cable car in the Alps, linking the small Italian town of Courtmayuer with the mountain’s southern side Pointe Helbronner, giving travellers and wine lovers the chance to visit the Alps and Cave Mont Blanc‘s new elegant tasting room.

Now, thanks to Cottage Vineyards and the Consul General of Italy in Hong Kong, oenophiles were treated to a night of tasting of five of Cave Mont Blanc’s best bevvies, accompanied by regional dishes to celebrate The Pride of Aosta: A Royal Sabrage on the Mont Blanc, the fifth in its Pride of Italy series to celebrate the 36th anniversary of Cave Mont Blanc at Cucina in the Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel.

Cave Mont Blanc Recommendations

‘Glacier’ Metodo Classico Pas Dosé Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle DOC 2016: Sporting notes of apple and medlar, the wine also features aromas of almond and pineapple, with a slight taste of coffee.

Cuvée du Prince Metodi Classsico Brut Nature Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle 2011: With fine persistent bubbles, this straw yellow wine is a classic designed especially for those who prefer warm spices and honey.

‘Chaudelune’ Vin de Glace Morgex et da la Salle DOC 2016 (Ice Wine): Best served with dessert, this ice wine offers a fresh finish with candied fruits and honey aromas.

‘1187’ Me-todo Classico Exgtra Brut Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle SOC 2016: Another bottle best for those who prefer it bubbly; the wine features hints of mandarin, pear and white flowers.

Blanc Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle DOC 2018: With the slightest note of sage, this light straw yellow wine with green highlights is splashed with the delicate aromas of mountain herbs.