The Grosjean family in Val d’Aosta
Val d’Aosta is tucked under the Alps’ (and Western Europe’s) tallest mountain, Mont Blanc. It’s a true alpine region that only after the second world war has developed the stunning locales dedicated to ski tourism. Another industry that has grown concurrently –and has flourished – is wine making: cautiously but tenaciously wine-making has taken two, three generations to reach exceptional quality.
The Grosjean family owns one exemplary winery.
The first records of the presence of the Grosjean family in Val d’Aosta date back to the 17th century. At that time, by order of the Duke of Savoy, several families from Burgundy were invited to repopulate the valley after the devastation caused by the plague of 1630. With humility and simplicity the family succeeded in planting the roots of Burgundian winemaking tradition in the Aosta Valley.
The family has been able to acquire slowly but surely nearby parcels of land reaching today 12 hectares in total, approximately 30 acres, sprinkled all around the mountainside near the village of Quart, in the Aosta province. The great majority of the vineyards are situated roughly between 600 to 1,000 meters, or, between 2,000 and 3,300 feet of altitude and the terrain is at such steep grade makes one wonder how they carry on!
Founder Margherita Sagan at the Grosjean family winery in Val d’Aosta
It’s not hard to imagine the hardship of cultivating grapes in high mountain regions.
Herve Grosjean, the current head of the operation and grandson of Dauphine, the founder, has adopted minimal intervention for decades, they are biodynamic and organic certified. These practices are what attract people like Tyler (our beverage director whom most of you know well) and ourselves to their name, but what resonated with me in meeting the entire family (Piergiorgio –son of Dauphine—Herve, Andre) was the harmony, the clear-eyed love for their product, and a certainty of purpose that moved me and Loring close to tears…
They seldom leave the region and in greeting us – coming as we were all the way from California—they were kind but cautious to warm up. Ultimately, the bond formed, we all felt rewarded, a confirmation that what they do is an unquestionable pursuit and our enthusiastic appreciation as loud an endorsement as they come!
We tasted many wines that are not exported to the U.S. due to being produced in small quantities: standouts were a Mas Du Jario Blanc de Noir Extra Brut I fell hard for! (We bought a case for our house in Lucca). The Donnas Superieur, made with a Nebbiolo Picotendro variety, lovely restraint in every respect. A Torrette Superieur made with Petit Rouge, Fumin, Cornalin and Premetta was a show stealer being at the same time full body but light, generously round with a good aging potential of 5-6 years.
The wines we currently carry at Piccino are a great representation of the production:
NV Grosjean Freres Brut Rose "Montmary" (Presidio), a delightful sparkling.
2025 Grosjean Freres Premetta (Dogpatch)
2024 Grosjean Freres "Vigne Rovettaz" Cornalin (Dogpatch).
This was truly a joyful and memorable experience!