Verrès
Overview
Verrès, in Valle d’Aosta, is a charming medieval village famous for its castle, which dominates the town. The village is an excellent departure point for exploring the region, offering scenic hikes and breathtaking landscapes. Verrès is also known for its gastronomic traditions, featuring typical dishes such as polenta and cheese. The historic center offers picturesque views and a peaceful atmosphere, far from mass tourism.
Gastronomy
Verrès boasts a cuisine rich in Alpine traditions, reflecting the simplicity and flavors of mountain life. One of the most distinctive dishes is Trocroque Boton, a savory biscuit made with Fontina, the famous cheese of Valle d’Aosta. This dish features melted cheese served with rendered lard, creating a bold and enveloping flavor combination, perfect for warming up during the cold winter days. Trocroque Boton is a dish that merges tradition with innovation, offering a unique culinary experience.
Polenta concia is another staple of Verrès’ cuisine. Made with polenta, butter, and abundant Fontina cheese, it is a dish that tells the story of the region’s mountainous heritage. The thick and flavorful polenta is enriched with melted cheese, creating a hearty and caloric meal, ideal for recovering after a day of agricultural labor or skiing.
The San Rocco Soup is another traditional dish known for its simplicity and taste. Named after the patron saint of Verrès, this soup is made with simple yet flavorful ingredients, such as stale bread, meat broth, cabbage, and potatoes. This recipe has been passed down for generations, offering comfort and tradition, perfect for warming up on cold winter evenings. Pumpkin-based dishes are a local specialty found in various forms throughout Verrès. Pumpkins, grown in the fields of Valle d’Aosta, are used in risottos, soups, and even desserts. The natural sweetness of pumpkin pairs beautifully with savory flavors, creating delicious and nutritious dishes. A classic example is risotto alla zucca, which blends the creaminess of rice with the delicate taste of pumpkin, making it an ideal dish for autumn and winter.
Wine and beverages
Among the most representative red wines, Rouge Tonen is a full-bodied and aromatic wine, perfect for pairing with the rich dishes of Valle d’Aosta’s tradition. Bocoueil, another typical red, stands out for its smooth and fruity taste, making it ideal for pairing with meats and cheeses.
Patri Meo Rosé is a fresh and fruity wine, characterized by its delicate color and light taste, suitable for summer dishes and as an aperitif. Müller-Thurgau, a fresh and aromatic white wine, is highly appreciated in the area for its ability to enhance light dishes such as appetizers and fish, thanks to its balanced acidity and fruity aroma.
Among the red wines, Pinot Noir and Merlot are also widely present. Pinot Noir is an elegant wine with a soft taste and good structure, while Merlot is known for its round and velvety flavor, perfect for pairing with meat dishes and aged cheeses. Rabec and Victore are other local varieties that reflect the region’s winemaking tradition, with Rabec offering fruity notes and Victore standing out for its bold and structured character.
As per the white wines, Petite Arvine is one of the region’s most representative varieties, with a fresh, mineral, and persistent taste, ideal for pairing with fish dishes or fresh cheeses. Chardonnay is also present, offering a version characterized by its freshness and ability to evolve over time, making it a perfect match for refined dishes and seafood.
Arnad Montjovet and Arnad Montjovet Superieur are prestigious red wines of the area, appreciated for their structure and rich aromatic bouquet, while Nebbiolo “Picotendro” is another wine of great character, known for its intensity and complexity, making it ideal for structured and hearty dishes.
Rosé Mariage is a light and aromatic wine, perfect for special occasions and pairing with fish or light dishes. Blanc du Mont and Rouge du Mont are other local labels representing Verrès’ winemaking tradition, with the former offering a fresh and mineral white wine and the latter a robust and enveloping red.
Seigneurs de Vallaise is a fine wine that blends tradition and innovation, while Traverse is a variety that perfectly embodies the identity of Valle d’Aosta, with a strong and well-structured character.
For spirits lovers, Grappa di Picotendro is a local specialty made from Nebbiolo grape pomace, featuring an intense aroma and bold taste. Kiu-Miel, a sweet honey-based liqueur, is another typical delicacy of the area, representing the perfect blend of honey’s sweetness and the art of distillation.
Points of interest
Verrès is a place rich in history and culture, with numerous points of interest that highlight the region’s heritage and traditions. One of the main attractions, the Collegiata di Saint-Gilles, is one of the most significant buildings in the area. This example of Gothic architecture, dating back to the 14th century, is characterized by its simple elegance and the beauty of its frescoes. The church is an important place of worship for the local community and houses numerous artistic treasures, including works by local artists from Valle d’Aosta.
The Castle of Verrès, the undisputed symbol of the town, is one of the most impressive fortifications in Valle d’Aosta. Situated on a hill overlooking the village, the castle was built in the 14th century and served as both a residence and a defense structure for noble families in the region. Today, the castle is open to the public and offers guided tours, allowing visitors to explore its richly decorated rooms, towers, and imposing walls. The panoramic view over the valley is breathtaking, making this monument an unmissable landmark.
La Murasse is another historical point of interest in Verrès. This fortified structure, extending along the river, represents an example of the medieval defense system of the town. La Murasse was built to protect Verrès from enemy incursions, and today, it still retains its ancient charm, visible in the remains of its walls and watchtowers. Walking along La Murasse, visitors can immerse themselves in the past and discover the region’s military history.
Another symbol of devotion in Verrès is the votive cross. Located in a panoramic spot in town, this cross was erected in gratitude to the Virgin Mary for protecting the community during times of calamity. The votive cross is also a pilgrimage site for many faithful and serves as a spiritual landmark for the local population.
La Brambilla, a historic industrial building, is now an example of how Verrès’ industrial past has been transformed into an important cultural center. La Brambilla was a cotton factory that played a crucial role in the region’s economy during the 19th century. Today, the structure has been restored and converted into a cultural venue, hosting events, exhibitions, and artistic activities. This successful revitalization demonstrates how Verrès has managed to preserve its industrial heritage while creating a hub for contemporary culture.
Sestriere (Vialattea)
Overview
Sestriere, in Piemonte, is one of Italy’s premier ski resorts. Located in the heart of the Cottian Alps, it is part of the Via Lattea ski area. The town is famous for its ski slopes and tourist facilities, making it an ideal destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Sestriere is also a departure point for summer hikes and outdoor activities. The village offers spectacular mountain views and a lively après-ski scene.
Gastronomy
The cuisine of Sestriere, nestled among the peaks of the Upper Susa Valley, is deeply rooted in the Piedmontese mountain tradition, featuring rich and hearty dishes perfect for the Alpine climate. Local alpine cheeses play a starring role: Toma di Sestriere, with its intense flavor and soft texture, is best enjoyed with honey or polenta, while Blu del Moncenisio, a strong blue cheese, pairs well with the region’s red wines.
Another classic dish is polenta concia, enriched with melted butter and cheeses, often served with game stews, mushrooms, or sausages. Among the most notable first courses are agnolotti del plin, small pasta pockets filled with meat or vegetables, and soupe grasse, a traditional Alpine bread and cheese soup.
Sestriere’s artisanal cured meats are another highlight, including mocetta, air-dried beef or chamois seasoned with mountain herbs, and lardo alle erbe, cured pork fat infused with rosemary and spices. The region also boasts delicious traditional desserts such as canestrello piemontese, a crumbly biscuit that pairs perfectly with genepy, the iconic Alpine herbal liqueur.
After a day on the slopes or hiking through the forests, Sestriere’s cuisine offers an authentic experience filled with intense, genuine flavors that tell the story and culture of the Piedmontese mountains.
Wine and beverages
One of the most representative red wines of the area is Barbera d’Alba, an intense and fruity wine with notes of cherry and spice, perfect with alpine cheeses and local cured meats. Nebbiolo, with its elegant and structured profile, pairs beautifully with grilled meats, game, and polenta concia, while the softer Dolcetto provides a lighter alternative, ideal for first courses such as agnolotti del plin.
Among the white wines, Erbaluce di Caluso stands out as a fresh and mineral wine that pairs splendidly with mountain cheeses and Alpine soups. For special occasions, Metodo Classico Alta Langa DOCG, with its fine bubbles and floral bouquet, is the perfect way to toast after a day on Sestriere’s slopes.
No Alpine experience would be complete without genepy, the signature liqueur of the Alps, made by infusing the namesake mountain herb. With its aromatic and balsamic taste, it is ideal as a digestif or paired with traditional canestrelli piemontesi. Alongside genepy, Piedmontese grappa, distilled from Nebbiolo and Barbera grape pomace, offers warm and enveloping notes, perfect for cold winter evenings.
Points of interest
In winter, Sestriere is the heart of the Via Lattea ski area, boasting over 400 km of slopes extending into France. Skiers and snowboarders can challenge themselves on runs of all levels, while cross-country skiers and snowshoers can explore snow-covered landscapes in the silence of the mountains. The resort, which hosted the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics, also welcomes international sporting events, including Alpine Ski World Cup races.
In summer, the area transforms into a paradise for hikers and cyclists. The trails running through Gran Bosco di Salbertrand Natural Park offer breathtaking views and the chance to spot chamois, golden eagles, and marmots. Mountain biking and road cycling enthusiasts can tackle the legendary climbs of Colle delle Finestre and Colle dell’Assietta, historic stages of the Giro d’Italia.
Beyond nature, Sestriere also offers intriguing historical and cultural sites. Just a few kilometers away stands the majestic Fenestrelle Fortress, the largest Alpine fortification in Europe, an imposing defensive structure with spectacular views over the valley. Another must-see is the Fort of Exilles, which tells the story of battles between France and the House of Savoy.
