Les Cretes Soc. Agr. di Charrère & C. s.s.

The Charrère family runs the Cretes farming business in Aymavilles (Aosta Valley) has 23 vineyards in a very mountainous area: morainic and sandy terrain, with steep slopes and high density planting.
Both local grape (Petit Rouge, Fumin, Petite Arvine, Mayolet, Prëmetta) and international varieties are grown (Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah).
These wines are the expression of the Aostan Valley: aromatic, fresh, mineral, elegant.

As illustrated in the relevant report, the most important developments introduced in the company are:

• Biodynamic agriculture: 500 preparation, natural regeneration of grass cover and sexual confusion (to stop butterflies mating)
• QR code added to bottles
• STELVIN screw caps
• Organic selection – corks made with bio-plastic materials made from sugar cane
  Positioning of solar panels
• REPOWER certificate and certificate of electrical energy sourcing

NUTRALP VDA Project – Nutraceuticals in Valle d’Aosta
Apples, grapes, wine and cider – drunk in moderation – are good for your health: this is the scientific evidence to which the researchers on the Nutralp VdA project have subscribed. The research unit, which produced validated scientific data, reached the conclusion that apples and grapes produced in the Aosta Valley and their derivatives are particularly rich in polyphenols and contain significant amounts of molecules that have a strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effect.The Les Cretes company has taken part in the NUTRALP project with two of its wines: FUMIN and TORRETTE.

The Wine Refuge
The Rifugio del Vino (wine refuge) is a building of around 950 square metres built alongside the company’s historic cellar, with the inauguration scheduled for June. It’s an ambitious project: bringing together wine, mountain culture and architecture. The project – which won a special mention in the Gambero Rosso magazine’s “The Cathedrals of Wine” international competition and a side event at the Venice Biennale – was created by the Courmayer architect Domenico Mazza, and the inspiration comes from new alpine refuges. The impact has an effect, with a roof which recalls mountain shapes and a structure dominated by windows. Inside, an experience for the senses awaits visitors, with an area dedicated to essences, and there is also a bookshop with books on the Aosta Valley and wine – all this in a building in which one can make oneself comfortable, read and enjoy a glass of wine while admiring the view. The choice of architecture and the “Refuge” name is doubly significant: “we have the most beautiful mountains and I wanted to remind people of this by bringing a refuge to the valley”. And then there is the concept of refuge in its meaning as a place of safety. All in all, a place where the area’s authenticity can be found. The harmonious landscape of the Aostan mountains, the climate and the warmth of the welcome make Les Cretes the ideal place for guided tours and tastings.

The company markets its products in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, USA, Ukraine and the UK.

Italian, French and English are spoken at the company.