Ottin

A true visionary, Elio Ottin has long been considered one of the area's top wine producers.

Overview

Located in Italy's Northwestern-most corner and sharing a border with France, the Valle d'Aosta is nothing short of breathtaking. Nestled in the heart of the Alps, this picture perfect area boasts quaint villages and jaw-dropping scenery. The feel here is decidedly Alpine, an intoxicating blend of Swiss, French, and Italian influences that combine to create an atmosphere that is different from other parts of Italy.

A graduate of the Institut Agricole Regional, he acquired his first parcels of land in 1989 between thevillages of Quart of St Christophe. Those small parcels have carefully and gradually expanded over the years, and the estate now encompasses some 14 total hectares. He began estate bottling hiswines in 2007, focusing on the region's historic grape varieties - Petite Arvine, Fumin, Petit Rouge, and especially Pinot Noir - and quickly developing a reputation for crafting wines that are as dynamic as his personality.

Dedicated to preserving and honoring the region's agricultural traditions, the Ottin estate has always been divided between vineyards, apple orchards, and pastureland for Elio's prized cattle. Sustainability is embraced in its entirety, and organic farming methods are employed wherever possible - manure from the cattle supplies the fertilization for the vineyards, and the energy used on the farm is produced by solar panels and mountain water.