Valle d'Aosta is the smallest and least populated region in Italy, only one-eighth the Size of neighbouring Piedmont. It covers a mountainous area in the far northwest of Italy, where the country's borders meet those of France and Switzerland.
Despite the region's small size and low profile, a wide range of red and white wines are produced from a selection of native and introduced Grape varieties. The most important of these is Picotendro, the local form of Nebbiolo.
Aosta is clearly influenced by its neighbours. French is the second official language, and French grape varieties are just as common as Italian ones. Chardonnay and Gamay grow side by side with Nebbiolo and Dolcetto.
In addition to the best-known varieties, the Regional Agricultural Institute has listed a selection of indigenous regional varieties.
Plans have been approved for what will become Islay’s 12th Scotch malt whisky distillery. Laggan Bay is set to be developed by whisky bottlers and brewers The Islay Boys, in association with Ian Macleod Distillers. Argyll and Bute Council has granted planning permission for the distillery, which The Islay Boys said will produce ‘a traditional, double-distillation Islay whisky’, at Glenegedale in Laggan Bay, close to the island’s airport. The new development, on a two-hectare site, will also incl ...
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