2020 Institut Agricole Regional (IAR) Valle d'Aosta Rouge des Chanoines

The Institut Agricole Régional (IAR) is a highly-respected agricultural university, working farm, professional technical school, and research center in the Valle d'Aosta region of northwest Italy - imagine a U.C. Davis nestled in the Alps. In addition, the IAR makes small quantities of textbook versions of wines from the valley's varieties. Farming uses biodynamic principles. The Rouge des Chanoines is a blend of 40% Mayolet, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 20% Nebbiolo grown in sandy glacial moraine at 590-640 meters, with vineyard gradiants ranging from 10 to 48%. Fermentation for 15 days and aging for seven months both happen in stainless steel. 12.5% alcohol. This wine is an excellent introduction to the bright, nervy, alpine character of the Valle d'Aosta's reds.