Nestled in the rugged northwest corner of Italy, bordering France and Switzerland, lies the Val d’Aosta. For over three decades, Marco Martin has toiled on his own 5-hectare plot amidst the challenging, high-altitude terrain of this alpine region. His vineyards in the village of Introd, on the southern bank of the Dora Baltea river, stand just a stone's throw from the majestic peaks of the Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso.
Perched at elevations exceeding 900 meters above sea level (for context, Snowdon reaches 1085m), Marco's Pinot Gris vines push the boundaries of cultivation. Embracing a rough organic approach, he relies solely on organic compost for fertilization and employs thoughtful integrated pest management techniques.
The winemaking process involves gentle pressing of the grapes after a brief maceration, followed by controlled temperature fermentation. The wine then matures for 8 months in steel tanks, allowing it to retain its natural characteristics.
In the glass, Marco's Pinot Gris presents a straw-yellow hue with hints of green. A bouquet of floral aromas intertwines with subtle citrus notes and a herbal essence. On the palate, it displays remarkable depth and persistence, with a refreshing, lively finish.