Les Crêtes has been at the forefront of searching out rare, indigenous vinifera varieties and helping protect them from extinction. Grapes like Prie Rouge, Mayolet, Cornalin, Premetta and Fumin exist nowhere else in the world and Les Crêtes, along with the rest of the tiny vignerons in the region, have worked with the Italian government to preserve them. The extreme elevation, heroic vineyard work and particularity of the ancient, autocthonous vines making bringing in outside help difficult. This is one of the most challenging regions on earth to work for wine, with vineyards non-contiguous, planted frequently on ledges on the side of steep Alpine mountains where they can find a little sandy soil.
This medium-bodied, smooth red has flavours of Morelli cherry, tart raspberry and minerality, which, along with a very cool kind of salinity is very much the signature of Les Crêtes’ wines. Lightly chill and serve alongside some rustic “mountain food” such as cured meats, fresh unripened cheeses or simply on its own.
