Wine In the Val D'Aosta

Steep slate slopes glow in autumn gold Below jagged white aretes. Strong young men hunt among the crags Pursuing choice chamois and deer. Valley maids harvest purple grapes. Laughing children mash-dance in vats. Women stir yeast to set the brew And lid and cork some oaken casks. Auld men rest warm on terrace slates Of a sunlit vine-wrapped arbor, Slowly sipping first blush vintage, Telling tales of mighty hunts. Bright eyes eager for fontina Laughter and motsetta slices, Raising glasses filled with Syrah To toss their years a grand hurrah. Their hearts are on the mountain highs, But sunset colors paint their eyes.