The Vien de Nus, a red grape variety, takes its name from the village of Nus, located near Aosta, from where it originates and is still cultivated today. Its name translates to “plant of Nus.” Alongside Petit Rouge, it is one of the most widely grown and distributed indigenous red grape varieties in the Valle d’Aosta wine region. Both belong to the family of autochthonous varieties known as “Orious”, which have evolved through continuous natural reproduction in their cultivation area. Also known as Gros Vien or Gros Rodzo, Vien de Nus is cultivated in an area stretching from Donnaz to Avise, on both sides of the Dora Baltea River, at elevations up to 750 meters, the upper limit for productive vine cultivation. It forms the basis for several Valle d’Aosta DOC red wines.
Ampelographic Characteristics
- Leaf: Large, pentagonal, with five lobes.
- Cluster: Medium to large, conical-pyramidal, winged, and moderately compact.
- Berry: Large, spherical, with a thick, highly pruinose black-blue skin.
Wine Profile
When vinified in purity, Vien de Nus produces a wine with:
- Color: Deep violet-red, aging toward garnet.
- Aroma: Persistent vinous bouquet.
- Palate: Light-bodied yet smooth, with good harmony and a pleasantly dry finish.
- Aging Potential: Best consumed within two years of harvest.
Pairing
Vien de Nus is an all-purpose table wine, pairing excellently with:
- Meat dishes.
- Local specialties such as motsetta (a salami similar to bresaola).
- Fontina cheese and dark rye bread.
