Discovering the Smoked Fish of the Aosta Valley

The Aosta Valley, nestled in the heart of the Italian Alps, is home to a culinary treasure that has captivated the senses of foodies worldwide. At Altura, the first freshwater fish smoking laboratory in the region, visitors can embark on a captivating journey to discover the rich flavors and artisanal techniques that have defined the area’s smoked fish delicacies for generations. From the exquisite trout to the mouthwatering char and whitefish, each bite unveils the valley’s unique gastronomic heritage, leaving you eager to uncover more about this enchanting corner of Italy.

Key Points

• Altura, the first freshwater fish smoking laboratory in Aosta Valley, offers a one-hour tasting experience featuring smoked trout, char, whitefish, caviar, and marinated morsels.

• The tasting is complemented by a glass of Classic Method Spumante Valdostano, creating a harmonious pairing between the complex flavors of the smoked fish and the crisp, effervescent wine.

• Founders Lorenzo and Edoardo share their passion for smoking techniques and the art of enhancing the natural flavors of local fish, providing a unique insight into the Aosta Valley’s smoked fish specialties.

• Altura’s smoking laboratory, located near the historic center of Verrès under a castle at the foot of Val d’Ayas, offers a captivating glimpse into the process of smoking trout, char, and whitefish.

• With a perfect 5.0 rating based on customer reviews, Altura’s tasting experience is praised for its exceptional quality, taste, and memorable hospitality, making it a must-visit destination for fishing enthusiasts and fish lovers.

Overview of Altura’s Offering

Founded in 2019 by Lorenzo and Edoardo, Altura is the first and only freshwater fish smoking laboratory in Aosta Valley.

Located near the historic center of Verrès, under a castle at the foot of Val d’Ayas, this unique experience is perfect for fishing enthusiasts and fish lovers.

Altura aims to enhance trout and more, offering a one-hour tasting of five products based on availability, such as smoked trout, smoked char, smoked whitefish, caviar, and marinated morsels.

The tasting is paired with a glass of Classic Method Spumante Valdostano, allowing participants to discover the laboratory before the tasting.

Tasting the Smoked Delicacies

Participants savor a one-hour tasting experience featuring an array of smoked delicacies from Altura’s repertoire.

Depending on availability, they’ll sample five products, including smoked trout, smoked char, smoked whitefish, caviar, and marinated morsels.

The tasting is complemented by a glass of Classic Method Spumante Valdostano, a local sparkling wine, allowing guests to fully appreciate the flavors.

Located near the historic center of Verrès, under a castle at the foot of Val d’Ayas, this experience offers a unique opportunity for fishing enthusiasts and fish lovers to discover the region’s smoked specialties and learn about the smoking techniques employed by the Altura team.

Meeting the Founders: Lorenzo and Edoardo

Lorenzo and Edoardo, the founders of Altura, pursued their passion for smoked fish with the hotel of the first and only freshwater fish smoking laboratory in Aosta Valley.

Located near the historic center of Verrès, under a castle at the foot of Val d’Ayas, their unique experience allows visitors to discover the art of smoking trout, char, and whitefish.

Through their one-hour tasting, guests can sample a variety of smoked delicacies paired with a glass of Classic Method Spumante Valdostano.

With a perfect rating of 5.0 based on customer reviews, Altura has become a must-visit destination for fishing enthusiasts and fish lovers seeking to explore the rich flavors of the Aosta Valley.

Exploring the Smoking Laboratory

At the heart of Altura’s unique offering lies its freshwater fish smoking laboratory, the first and only of its kind in the Aosta Valley.

Housed near the historic center of Verrés, under a castle at the foot of Val d’Ayas, the laboratory provides a fascinating glimpse into the art of smoking trout, char, and whitefish.

Participants can explore the smoking process and learn about the techniques used by founders Lorenzo and Edoardo to enhance the natural flavors of the fish.

The tasting experience allows visitors to savor a selection of Altura’s smoked products, along with caviar and marinated morsels, all paired with a glass of Classic Method Spumante Valdostano.

Pairing the Tasting With Valdostano Spumante

Pairing the tasting with a glass of Classic Method Spumante Valdostano enhances the overall experience, allowing participants to savor the complex and nuanced flavors of the smoked fish.

The sparkling wine, produced using the traditional method, offers a delightful contrast to the rich, smoky notes of the fish.

The tasting experience is elevated by:

• The effervescence of the Spumante, which cleanses the palate between bites
• The dry, crisp character of the wine, which balances the oily texture of the smoked fish
• The subtle notes of yeast and citrus in the Spumante, which complement the natural flavors of the seafood

This harmonious pairing elevates the tasting, providing a well-rounded and memorable culinary journey.

Accessibility and Age Restrictions

The Altura experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s stroller-friendly. Infants are welcome, and they’ll sit on laps during the tasting.

Most travelers can participate, but those under 18 won’t be served alcoholic beverages. The Valdostano Spumante that accompanies the tasting is reserved for adults only. This policy ensures the experience is enjoyable and safe for all guests.

While the laboratory may not be accessible for everyone, the team at Altura is committed to providing an inclusive and memorable tasting for fish enthusiasts of all ages, within the limits of the venue’s facilities.

Customer Praise and Ratings

Praised by visitors for the excellent taste and quality of the products, the Altura experience has received a perfect rating of 5.0 based on 9 reviews across popular platforms like Viator and Tripadvisor.

Customers have noted the experience as a memorable visit, praising the hospitality and the great opportunity to learn about the smoking techniques.

The reviews highlight:

• The exceptional quality and taste of the smoked fish products
• The informative and engaging nature of the tasting experience
• The overall enjoyment and satisfaction with the Altura laboratory visit

This overwhelmingly positive feedback underscores the unique and exceptional nature of the Altura experience, making it a must-visit destination for fish lovers and enthusiasts alike.

Discovering the Aosta Valley’s Unique Smoked Fish

Nestled in the heart of the Aosta Valley, a unique culinary experience awaits fish enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. Altura, the first and only freshwater fish smoking laboratory in the region, offers a captivating insight into the art of smoking trout and other delicacies. Founded in 2019 by Lorenzo and Edoardo, this hotel is located near the historic center of Verrès, under a castle at the foot of Val d’Ayas. Visitors can indulge in a one-hour tasting featuring a variety of smoked products, accompanied by a glass of Classic Method Spumante Valdostano.

Product	Description	Sourcing
Smoked Trout	Locally-sourced freshwater trout, expertly smoked	Aosta Valley
Smoked Char	Rich, flavorful char from nearby mountain streams	Aosta Valley
Smoked Whitefish	Delicate whitefish, gently smoked to perfection	Aosta Valley
Caviar	Sustainably harvested caviar from Altura’s own production	Aosta Valley
Marinated Morsels	Tender fish morsels, marinated in a delightful blend of spices	Aosta Valley

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Smoked Fish to the Tasting?

No, participants cannot bring their own smoked fish to the tasting. The experience focuses on showcasing the laboratory’s own unique smoked fish products, which are carefully selected and paired with a glass of local Spumante.

Are There Any Vegetarian or Vegan Options Available?

There are no vegetarian or vegan options available at the Altura fish smoking laboratory. The tasting menu features smoked fish products like trout, char, and whitefish. Alcoholic beverages are served, though non-alcoholic options may be requested.

Is It Possible to Purchase the Smoked Fish Products After the Tasting?

Yes, participants can purchase the smoked fish products after the tasting. The experience offers the opportunity to purchase the Altura laboratory’s delicacies, allowing visitors to enjoy the flavors at home.

Can I Request a Specific Type of Smoked Fish to Be Included in the Tasting?

Participants can request specific smoked fish to be included in the tasting, subject to availability. The experience offers a range of products, and the team at Altura aims to cater to individual preferences whenever possible.

Is There Any Dress Code or Attire Requirement for the Experience?

There is no specific dress code or attire requirement for the Altura smoking laboratory experience. Participants can wear comfortable clothing suitable for an indoor food tasting activity.

Recap

Altura’s smoked fish tasting offers a captivating glimpse into the Aosta Valley’s rich culinary heritage. Guests can savor the exceptional quality of smoked trout, char, and whitefish, complemented by local sparkling wine, while learning about the region’s traditional smoking techniques. This immersive experience showcases the area’s unique flavors and artisanal craftsmanship, providing an unforgettable taste of the Aosta Valley’s culinary prowess.