Nestled into the Alps north of Piedmont and skirting both France and Switzerland, the Valle d'Aosta is arguably Italy's most discreet region. Even so, it's popular among locals who know that it's just as enticing in the summer for outdoor activities as it is during winter for skiing. And of course, all of those activities can work up an appetite. So, here are seven specialties of the Valle d'Aosta to keep an eye out for during your Italian travels or at your Italian gourmet specialty shop. 

Fontina PDO. Of the specialties of the Valle d'Aosta, Fontina is probably the best known – it's not only one of the region's most famous types of cheese but Italy's. Fontina has been produced as far back as the Middle Ages, and even then, it was so beloved that it cameoed in a 15th-century fresco in the Castello di Issogn, a structure in the lower part of the valley that dates back to the 12th century (at least).