Taste of the Alps: 5 Aosta Valley Foods & Drinks You Need to Try

Planning a visit to the lovely Valle d’Aosta in Italy? This tiny, but gorgeous, region snuggled high in the Alps not only offers amazing views, it also comes with a food and drink scene that’s totally its own thing. So, you’re in for some really yummy regional cooking that goes beyond just the usual Italian stuff.

Get ready to make your taste buds very happy, exploring hearty dishes made with local ingredients, plus drinks that go back centuries. So, come with me as we look at the best foods and drinks the Valle d’Aosta has to offer, making sure your trip is very unforgettable.

Fontina: The Aosta Valley’s Cheesy Superstar

Ok, let’s kick things off with Fontina. That’s like the headliner when it comes to cheeses around here. Very specific to the Valle d’Aosta, that’s crafted from cow’s milk and shows off a flavor that shifts with the seasons. It’s like, when the cows are up eating mountain grass in summertime, the cheese turns out very rich and aromatic. During other times, it gets more gentle and nutty.

A lot goes into the production of Fontina. Every cheese wheel actually shouts about where it came from by having the cooperative producer’s mark stamped right onto it. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (check options) That’s some serious regional pride, right there! You’ll notice that it is used very creatively by local chefs too.

Imagine Fontina melted so nicely into fondue, or part of a creamy sauce over pasta. Or maybe in a warm panini. But honestly? Slice off a piece of this semi-hard cheese to experience it purely. That way you taste what Valle d’Aosta is really all about. And when it melts? Pure Heaven.

Read our full review: Fontina Cheese: A Taste of the Italian Alps Full Review and Details

Lard d’Arnad: A Slice of Alpine History

Then there is the cured meat that everyone enjoys. The Lard d’Arnad comes straight from the little village named Arnad and it has serious history going way, way back to 1700! So, this isn’t just any pork fat; it’s extra cared for, using a method that’s been guarded closely for generations. Each slab is carefully put in special containers known as “doils,” alternating with mountain herbs, spices plus a little bit of salty brine. The altitude plus the coolness from the Alps help give Lard d’Arnad a particularly smooth texture and it gets seriously aromatic.

What is the flavor? So very subtle yet kind of powerful—with nutty notes and just a slight hint herbs. It’s best served thinly sliced, which allows each bit just, like, melt on the tongue. Locals enjoy it a lot with dark rye bread or maybe as part a charcuterie arrangement; it’s usually paired with local cheeses as well as honey so you’re able to experience the rich assortment tastes from Valle d’Aosta. You can shop and See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (find offers here) at the market today.

As you taste Lard d’Arnad, that comes from those aging cellars found inside Arnad—you are getting so much Alpine history with each bite.

Read our full review: Lard d’Arnad: An Aosta Valley Delicacy Full Review and Details

Morgex et La Salle: The Highest Vineyard in Europe

Ok, think about sipping a very special wine. Now think about drinking it in one of the highest vineyards of Europe, That’s the experience that comes with Morgex et La Salle, This place sits proudly just about 1,200 meters up; those extreme conditions actually lead to an exceptionally unique kind grape-growing.

What makes it amazing? You know, here, they have the Prié Blanc grapes – pretty much the only ones in the region unaffected by phylloxera because that nasty bug can’t make it this high up! Also, these sturdy vines are cultivated on their own rootstock which results wines of exceptional purity along distinctive mineral traits. They come crisp too with an aroma reminiscent high mountain flowers that only develop as a consequence snow reflecting sunlight onto grapevines. You’ll probably agree; seeing how vineyards stand in opposition Mont Blanc that is awe inspiring. It gets to be very humbling being mindful of what dedication goes when people craft each bottle year after year. So be sure buy them for you, See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (get yours now).

Read our full review: Morgex et La Salle: Europe’s Highest Vineyard Full Review and Details

Génépy: The Herbal Elixir of the Alps

Alright, now for a little something to warm you. Consider Genepy the local herbal liquor. It’s much beloved in Valle d’Aosta, It gets created out those tiny artemisia flowers right from high up in the Alps. When its drunk straight that drink comes earthy, plus has those nice herbal tones. Very often folks take pleasure in it neat to help with digestion right following meal as its reputed characteristics will really comfort your stomach .

Genepy really stands out with a distinctive aromatic scent as well distinctive tastes influenced its botanical makeup but also skills distillers are putting into its making. Often, so, recipes kept inside households vary which leads to diverse Genepy profiles depending your location across that valley!

Usually at festivals there’s Genepy shared by everybody! Now See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Order now)! Always, make certain not to overlook such wonderful Alpine beverage particularly one telling lots about culture throughout Valle d’Aosta. Try adding several splashes whenever coffee time to see precisely the way its taste elevates things; it’s really surprising what you discover once being willing give such beverage trying. It might just grow quickly be some absolutely must get taste!

Read our full review: Génépy: An Alpine Herbal Elixir Full Review and Details

Seupa de Gri: A Heartwarming Valley Tradition

Finally? Lets get cozy beside Seupa de Gri, A hearty soup that gets origins within Valle d’Aosta tradition, You see, this filling food actually goes beyond common soups, it mixes tastes from several neighborhood ingredients; in reality. Usually what occurs? There is some mix utilizing rye bread plus Fontina ( local staple!) And there’s cabbage in with other garden veggies included there! When finished? The mix goes layers from in pot with every section showered through rich broth .

When soup simmers everything joins becoming flavorful rich dish really ideal soon after long walk through alpine paths or on those days calling gentle embrace after freezing breezes begin rolling through heights above ! This particular food truly explains precisely food serves much additional compared with food intake inside areas.

If possibly afforded possibility attempt tasting real home cooked style versions; this presents perception relating historical backdrop to families handed meal from gen after generation! Get set, try buying fixings and learn new stuff by seeing recipe online. Now See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Ingredients at your fingertips). The most rewarding experience should possibly involve sitting by one open-hearth along nearby mountain house that sees snowfall quietly flitting straight past its panoramic panes; inside instance tastes associated authenticity would reach its max!

Read our full review: Seupa de Gri: A Heartwarming Valley Tradition Full Review and Details