Valle d’Aosta
Valle d’Aosta is located in the northwest part of Italy and it borders with France and Switzerland. It is known for its mountains which include Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa and Gran Paradiso. Valle D’Aosta is the smallest and least densely populated region in Italy. It is also the only region in Italy that is not divided into provinces. Half of the population of Valle d’Aosta can speak three languages; Italian, French, and their dialect called Valdotain.
Capital – Aosta
Aosta is located in the centre of the Aosta Valley. The town was founded by the Ceaser Augustus in 25 BC. It is rich in Roman and Medieval monuments and has the best architectural aspects of the Roman Empire. Aosta is laid out in a perfect grid and was originally surrounded by walls with fortified towers on each corner. The original walls are still standing.
Foods of Valle d’Aosta
Fontina
This well know cheese comes from the region of Fontina and is made from Alpine grass-fed cows. It cheeses dates back to the 12th century and is used in lots of typical dishes. Its texture can range from semi-soft to firm and from mild to quite tangy depending of the length of maturation.
Polenta Concia
A very rich polenta made with Fontine Valdostana cheese. It is a very rich polenta.
Carbonade Valdostana
A beef stew prepared with beef cubes or strips prepared with onions, flour, butter, red win, and lots of spices. It is usually served over hot polenta, mashed potatoes, or pappardelle pasta.
Fonduta alla Valdostana
A creamy fondue made with Fontina cheese, egg yolks, milk, and flour. It can sometimes be combined with white truffle shaving. It dates back to 1854.
Tegole Valdostane
Cookies made with sugar, almonds, butter, hazelnuts, egg whites, and vanilla. Tegole means tile in Italian and refers to the tile like shape of these cookies.
Vallee d'Aoste Fromadzo
This low-fat cheese dates back to the 15th century. Made from cow’s milk.
Crespelle alla Valdostana
Stuffed crepes smothered in Fontina cheese and bechamel sauce.