Prié Blanc

White grape of Morgex et La Salle, Valle d’Aosta

Plantings of this native varietal of Valle d’Aosta occupy a mere 20 hectares, and reach 1300 metres above sea level.

Growing in harsh mountain conditions, it naturally shows a brisk acidity which frames delicate citrus and floral notes.

Prié lends itself well to different styles (sparkling, oak aged, late harvest, and even ice wine). 

It is also ageworthy: in January 2026 I tried a 2012 with Ninive Pavese of Pavese & Figli, and it was in great shape, having developed a richer texture to complement the floral character, which was still present.

📸 Side & top Ermese Pavese & Figli

Heroic Viticulture

The grape is grown on a system called pergola bassa, or low pergola. Wood and stone frames are arranged around the outside of a small square, boundaried with dry stone walls.  The pergole are constructed with their backs against the walls, and the grapes hang beneath the canopy, accessible from the centre of the square. In this way, the plant captures the heat retained by the ground. At harvest time, pickers have to duck, or kneel, beneath the canopy to pick.

For the geeks – these vines are all franco di piede – there is no American rootstock used. The reason is that the phylloxera bug cannot tolerate the sandy soils of this glacial terrain.

MTW clients on our Heart of the Italian Alps self-guided hike, and Spring in the Alps accompanied trip are treated to this unique vineyard scenery, and a wine tasting, to boot.

📸 Ermese Pavese & Figli