Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle

History

Romans established Augusta Praetoria (Aosta) in 25 BC via Great St. Bernard Pass, bringing viticulture. Prié Blanc documented 1691. Bronze Age grape seeds at Saint-Martin-de-Corléans suggest 4,000+ years cultivation. 1983: Cave du Vin Blanc cooperative established to preserve tradition. Only ungrafted quality wine vines in Western Europe due to altitude-induced phylloxera immunity.

At a glance

Climate

Extreme Alpine continental; 900-1,200m elevation at foot of Mont Blanc; south-facing steep terraced slopes above Dora Baltea River; freezing winters, short intense summers; diurnal temperature swings preserve acidity; phylloxera-free zone (cold kills pest)

Signature wines

Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle DOC (Cave Mont Blanc cooperative - 80 growers, benchmark crisp Alpine white; Ermes Pavese La Ruine - high-altitude specialist; Piero Brunet - independent producer) - delicate floral notes, green apple, citrus, alpine minerality, high acidity, mineral finish

What sets it apart

Europe's HIGHEST altitude quality vineyards (900-1,200m); UNGRAFTED Prié Blanc vines (phylloxera-free - unique in Western Europe); Cave Mont Blanc cooperative (80 growers, 18 hectares, 90% production); 1691 documented variety; Bronze Age origins; heroic viticulture at foot of Mont Blanc

• Europe's highest altitude quality vineyards (900-1,200m)
• 18 hectares total
• DOC 1985 (incorporated into Valle d'Aosta DOC)
• Cave du Vin Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle cooperative founded 1983 (80 grower-members, 90% of production)
• Prié Blanc documented 1691 in Saint-Pierre
• ungrafted vines (unique in Western Europe)
• Bronze Age grape seeds found locally (2000+ BC origins)
• heroic viticulture - only accessible by foot or monorail