Petite Arvine 2021 - Pré des Pierres - AOC Valais

100% Petite Arvine

Petite Arvine is the great Valaisan white wine of international reputation. As its name suggests, Petite Arvine produces small grapes that are extremely concentrated. Delicate and sensitive to the wind, it ripens only late and therefore requires the best exposure, preferably not too arid.

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.

Throughout the vegetation period, from May to July, there was a succession of climatic hazards, notably hail and very heavy rainfall, which favoured the development of diseases, particularly mildew. The incessant rainfall in July and the rare windows of dry weather made plant health control particularly difficult. Depending on the grape variety and the sector, the winegrowers could only observe the extent of the damage caused by mildew to the harvest.

The harvest was particularly late. They were spread out over the whole month of October. The severe sorting of the harvest and the elimination of damaged or under-ripe grapes increased the time needed for harvesting tenfold, but allowed for good quality grapes.

A sustained acidity gives the wines of the vintage a jovial freshness. The white wines display an intense fruitiness where elegance and vivacity are combined. The red wines, dressed in a bright and intense colour, reveal charming aromatic expressions of fruit and spices and generous concentrations. Wines full of audacity that promise all sorts of pleasures.