Vins des mines

Ageing in mines

The very nature of the Costa del Pino Mine in Cogne makes the ageing process there sustainable:
- at an altitude of 2000 metres
- 5°C and 85% relative humidity constantly all year round
- the darkness of the mine

Under these environmental conditions, wines age differently because bio-chemical processes inside the bottles proceed at their own natural pace due to atmospheric pressure, consistent temperature and humidity, and the lack of light. Tasting such wines ensures a distinctive sensory experience.

The mines of Cogne

The Costa del Pino magnetite mines in Cogne are among the highest in Europe, with the Colonna mining village at an elevation of some 2,425 metres.

Recorded information about the extraction of magnetite deposits in Cogne dates back to 1432; after a period of mine management by Cogne in the early 1800s with Dr Grappein, the prosperous extraction periods also drew a Belgian investor to the Valle d’Aosta, and the mine reached its maximum expansion in the early 1900s, remaining in operation until 1979.

The mines form a series of over 100km of tunnels in the heart of the mountain, which can be visited partly by taking a vintage train and partly on foot accompanied by a guide. Our bottles are stored for ageing in the portion of the mine that was formerly the powder magazine.

The site also has a newly refurbished Mine Museum, located in the miners’ village at Montroz..

Credits
Mine photos: Cooperativa Mines de Cogne www.minieredicogne.it

Barbara Tutino, Miners at Colonna, 2010, mixed technique on boards, 55x92cm, private collection.

The label

The bottles in the range collection have a sophisticated label that was inspired by a painting by Barbara Tutino.

The piece forms part of the collection Le travail de l’homme, an exhibition dedicated to labourers and miners and shown in 2010 at the Centro Alpinart (Mining Village of Cogne) and again in 2012 at Dudelange (Luxembourg).

In addition to painting, the artist also writes books and frequently collaborates with art publishers, theatre actors, photographers and musicians from around the world.

She has been exhibiting in Italy and abroad since the age of 15, earning prizes and awards, and her works are held in public and private collections.

She lives and works at Valnontey (Cogne), in the Gran Paradiso National Park.

Credits
the painting, Minatori a Colonna: Barbara Tutino www.barbaratutino.it