Mayolet is a native black grape variety from the Aosta Valley, considered one of the oldest and most representative varieties of the region’s Alpine viticulture. Cultivated since at least the late 18th century, it has been passed down through the valley’s terraced vineyards and celebrated within the modern Valle d’Aosta DOC, where it represents one of the most distinctive expressions of the region’s viticultural heritage. It is an early-ripening variety – a particularly valuable characteristic in mountainous areas – and thrives best along the central valley, from Saint-Vincent to Avise, in vineyards situated even at high altitudes. The leaf is medium to large, wedge-shaped, three- or five-lobed, with a tomentose underside and a closed petiole sinus. The bunch is small or medium-sized, cylindrical, sometimes winged and generally compact; the berry is spherical, small, with a thin, pruinose, blue-black skin, juicy flesh and a sweet flavour. The wine has a bright ruby-red colour, sometimes with violet hues, and a refined, fragrant bouquet characterised by red berries, with delicate floral and spicy notes. On the palate, it is fresh, harmonious and lightly structured, supported by fine tannins and a pleasant savoury finish, with a slightly bitter aftertaste. It best expresses its elegance when young, whilst developing greater complexity with brief ageing.
