Story: Les Crêtes | Aosta
Page: 1/1

History and family identity
The Charrère family has been rooted in the Aosta Valley since the 18th century and has been involved in wine and agricultural production there for six generations. However, Les Crêtes as a modern winery was only established in 1989 under the leadership of Costantino Charrère. His pioneering spirit took the family's winemaking tradition to a new level - transforming its rural vinological background into a business that focuses equally on quality, terroir, and sustainability.

---

Terroir, climate, and geographical location
The vineyards of Les Crêtes cover around 23-25 hectares of steep slopes around Aymavilles and other municipalities in the Aosta Valley. The soils are predominantly morainic and sandy—relics of the Ice Age—which give the wines a distinctive minerality. The climate is alpine, with large temperature fluctuations between day and night and frequent winds that ensure natural ventilation. These special conditions favor slow ripening, healthy grapes, and complex aroma structures.

---

Philosophy and sustainable viticulture
Les Crêtes sees itself as a company that produces “heroes and heroines of mountain viticulture”: the very steep vineyards require manual care, selective harvesting, and a respectful approach to nature. The Charrère family pursues an ecological approach, limits the use of pesticides, uses renewable energies, and strives for sustainable wine production that preserves the land and its beauty.

---

Wine range and grape varieties
Les Crêtes offers a wide range of white, red, rosé, sparkling, and dessert wines. The white grape varieties are dominated by Petite Arvine, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris (in the “Neige d'Or” blend), and Muscat (Moscato Bianco). On the red side, Petit Rouge, Fumin, Cornalin, Nebbiolo, and Syrah are part of the repertoire, complemented by Pinot Noir, Merlot, and indigenous varieties. The cuvées and special selections, which strongly reflect the alpine terroir, are also particularly noteworthy.

---

A special highlight: “Neige d'Or”
A real flagship product from Les Crêtes is the white wine “Neige d'Or,” which consists of 60% Petite Arvine and 40% Pinot Gris. This wine showcases the harmonious combination of indigenous and international grape varieties. It is elegant yet powerful, with a clear freshness, floral notes, and salty minerality. It conveys the alpine terroir in a special way and perfectly represents the philosophy of Les Crêtes.

---

Rifugio del Vino - Architecture, Experience & Hospitality
An essential part of the winery is the “Rifugio del Vino,” a fascinating building with modern architecture designed by architect Domenico Mazza. The structure's shape is reminiscent of mountain peaks, and the walls are mostly made of glass, allowing visitors to enjoy views of the vineyards and the valley. The refuge is not only used for wine tasting, but also as an emotional place for encounters, knowledge transfer, and tranquility in the midst of the mountains.

---

Significance for the Aosta Valley & Outlook
Les Crêtes has established itself as one of the most important private wineries in the Aosta Valley and contributes significantly to the international perception of the wine region. The winery sets standards through its combination of traditional craftsmanship, innovative sustainability, architectural vision, and sophisticated vinification. In the future, Les Crêtes is likely to further expand its role as an ambassador for the mountain terroir - for example, through even more intensive ecological projects, experimental single-vineyard wines, or expansions of its range of experiences. - Gerardo [TS12/25]