Petite Arvine 2019 - 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 2019
2019 can be described as a demanding year for winegrowers. Although the mild weather conditions in February and March allowed vegetation to start early, the unusually cool weather in May slowed it down considerably. Flowering started a week later than the ten-year average.
The hot weather in June and July contributed to a sustained development of the vines. During the summer, numerous storm fronts swept across Switzerland, creating favourable conditions for the development of fungal diseases. The Valais was hit by three hail storms, causing light to medium damage locally.
The dry and sunny weather of September allowed to erase the heterogeneity of the maturity. The harvest was officially opened on 23 September. After a cool and changeable start to October, they took place in an Indian summer atmosphere. The particular climatic conditions of the summer necessitated sorting the grapes in the vineyard.
The alternation of warm days and cool nights in September allowed the aromatic potential to be preserved. A welcome freshness and a sustained and preserved acidity give energy and dynamism to the wines which are powerful and fleshy.
The white wines have an exuberant bouquet of fresh fruit, with marked typicity. On the palate, they are crisp and lively, with a bright, dynamic and aromatic fruitiness. The red wines reveal a rich palette of colours, ranging from ruby red to purple red with purple highlights. They offer a basket of black fruits and spices, with well-presented tannins and a nice fresh and fruity structure.
Wine conservation
Ageing potential of 4 to 5 years (in good temperature and humidity conditions).
