Petite Arvine 2020 - Pré des Pierres - AOC Valais
Our plot selection of Petite Arvine on the magnificent terroir of Pré des Pierres in Chamoson.
Vineyard
The Pré des Pierres terroir is located on the cone of limestone alluvium between Chamoson and Saint-Pierre-de-Clage. Our small arvine is found in an area deep enough not to be too sensitive to drought but sufficiently draining to produce concentrated grapes even in years of heavy precipitation. We are lucky to have this unique grape variety planted in such a prestigious terroir.
Grape variety
100% Petite Arvine
Petite Arvine is the great Valais white wine with an international reputation. As its name suggests, Petite Arvine produces small grapes that are extremely concentrated. Delicate, sensitive to winds, it only ripens late and therefore requires the best exposure, preferably not too arid.
Winemaking
The grapes are harvested by hand at optimum maturity. All the attention is given at the time of pressing in the selection of the juices.
The alcoholic fermentation is done in barrels and we do not carry out malolactic fermentation in order to keep the freshness of the Petite Arvine.
The ageing in oak barrels lasts about 9 months and then we rack the wines. We filter the wines very lightly before bottling and we age the Petite Arvine - Pré des Pierres for a few months to preserve its minerality.
Vintage 2020
The weather conditions were favourable from the end of March, leading to an early start to vegetation. Flowering and veraison started a week ahead of the ten-year average. The growth of the vines was heterogeneous depending on the sector and the grape variety.
The favourable conditions at the beginning of the season made it possible to delay the first treatments against fungal diseases. Alternating rainy and dry spells accompanied by high temperatures in July and August led the winegrower to intervene to protect the harvest.
The harvest officially opened on 11 September and took place in favourable weather conditions with a quality of grapes requiring very little sorting.
The hot and dry climate of the first part of the harvest contrasted with the coolness and humidity that set in at the end of September. We therefore find wines with different balances depending on the plots and the harvest dates chosen by the winemakers. The first tastings reveal greedy, fine wines with very good concentrations.
Tasting
On a nose of rhubarb, meringue and lemon, fine notes of white flowers emerge from this little arvine.
Its ample and lemony mouth gives way to vine peach and rhubarb.
This wine will pair wonderfully with sea fish or shellfish.
Wine conservation
Ageing potential of 4 to 5 years (in good temperature and humidity conditions).
