Cave Gargantua is the story of Laurent Cuneaz and his family who are based in Gressan. Named after the giant mountain depression formed from glacial debris known as Gargantua, Laurent developed his passion for vineyards and wine from his grandfather on those slopes. Their connection to their land is deep. Laurent and his brother André are renting some new vineyards in Morgex, too, known for its white variety, Prié. In 2013 Laurent left his position working in the winery of Institute Agricole Régionale and started Cave Gargantua. The vineyards of Cave Gargantua are a magical place, full of legends and folk tales. It is believed that the moraine (glacier) is tied to a Giant, it would be the pinkie finger of the giant Gargantua buried by a blanket of debris. Gressan Moraine, formed by glacial deposits, is a protected nature reserve on the route of the Balteo Hiking Trail through the Valle d’Aosta; its particular appearance has inspired many legends, some of which talk of Gargantua the giant, a character invented by Rabelais in 1532. The moraine is said to be the giant’s big toe.
From old-vine Petit Rouge grown on steep, stony slopes, with a dash of Fumin and Vien de Nus in the mix, ‘Labié’ is both a tribute and a challenge; the name loosely translates to a kind of persistent grumbler, the one who’s never quite satisfied, always pushing for more. It fits — this is a wine that leans forward. The nose is tightly wound but expressive: tart red currants, alpine herbs, cracked pepper, and a cool, mineral edge that feels distinctly mountain-born. With air, it opens into deeper spice and a faintly ferrous note. On the palate, it’s structured and deliberate, with bright acidity cutting through layers of red fruit, earth, and subtle wood. Raised in barrel for 12 months before bottling and now three years out, the tannins are firm but not aggressive, giving the wine a sense of quiet strength. Everything here feels in perfect tension — fruit and earth, lift and depth, immediacy and restraint — finishing long, savory, and just a touch austere. It’s not trying to charm; it’s asking for attention.