Vuillermin

The Vuillermin grape is a rare and ancient indigenous red variety from the Aosta Valley, a region renowned for its extreme alpine viticulture. After having come close to extinction, Vuillermin has been successfully recovered and is today cultivated only sporadically and almost exclusively in the towns of Chambave and Châtillon, within the Province of Aosta. Its limited production and strong territorial identity make Vuillermin one of the most distinctive and sought-after native Italian grape varieties.

Historically, this grape was known under the names Eperon or Spron, appellations that have since disappeared. Ampelographic and genetic research suggests that Vuillermin is closely related to Fumin, another important Aosta Valley grape. However, more recent studies indicate that Vuillermin likely derives from Prié and also shows genetic affinity with Cornalin, further confirming its deep roots in the alpine wine heritage of the region.

From a morphological perspective, Vuillermin grapes are black in colour, medium-small in size, and spherical in shape. The berries are characterised by a thick, firm, waxy skin with an opaque bluish hue, well suited to the harsh mountain climate. The bunches are medium-small, pyramidal, winged, and moderately compact, features that contribute to the grape’s concentration and resilience.

Wines produced from Vuillermin are notable for their deep red-purple colour and expressive aromatic profile. On the nose, they are vinous, intense, and complex, while on the palate they offer a full-bodied structure, supported by well-defined tannins and good overall balance. These characteristics make Vuillermin wines particularly interesting for lovers of structured alpine red wines.