Domaine de la Rameau 2015 - AOC Valais
Our top-of-the-range white is produced in 2015 from the Petite Arvine and Païen grape varieties. A wine highlighting the finesse of the Chamoson terroirs.
Grape Variety
75% Petite Arvine, 25% Païen
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. Petite Arvine brings minerality to our white blend.
When we talk about Païen (Heida in Haut-Valais) it is the Valais name given to the white wine made from the Savagnin grape variety because its flamboyant color is a little straw yellow. This grape variety brings complexity and a beautiful aroma to our blend.
Winemaking
The harvest of the two grape varieties is done manually depending on the maturity.
All attention is given to the moment of pressing in the selection of juices. We carry out a light settling before putting the musts into oak barrels of 2-3 wines (no new barrels).
Alcoholic fermentation is done in barrels and we do not carry out malolactic fermentation in order to maintain freshness.
Ageing in oak barrels lasts around 9 months then we rack the wines. We filter the wines very lightly before bottling and we age for a few months in the bottle in order to preserve the minerality.
Vintage 2015
The beginning of veraison occurred for the first period grape varieties one week ahead of the 2014 vintage. The dryness of July allowed the installation of a moderate hydric constraint sought in the ripening phase of the grapes.
The rapid accumulation of sugars led to an early start to the harvest, on 8 September 2015. The harvest benefited from sunny and dry weather. After a very demanding 2014 vintage in terms of sorting, the winemakers appreciated the very good quality of the grapes this year.
The warm days and cool nights of September allowed the grapes to ripen regularly, which is a guarantee of quality. The first tastings reveal stunning wines in both the whites and the reds. They are warm, fleshy, very aromatic, charming and greedy.
The red wines are distinguished by their deep, dark colour. The bouquet is intense with aromas of ripe black and red fruits sprinkled with spices. Powerful, generous and concentrated, the palate unfolds with a solid structure, supported by coated and silky tannins.
The choice not to carry out malolactic fermentation in the whites has enabled them to retain a dynamic freshness. They have an expressive fruitiness of ripe fruit balanced by a refreshing acidity. Beautifully balanced white wines, full of opulence and freshness. The power and strength of Petite Arvine in this sunny vintage reveal notes of pink grapefruit and ripe citrus.
Wine conservation
Aging potential of 6 to 8 years (in good temperature and humidity conditions).
