Domaine de la Rameau 2016 - AOC Valais
Our top-of-the-range white is produced in 2016 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 2016
The weather conditions at the beginning of the summer required constant vigilance on the part of the winegrowers to control fungal diseases, particularly mildew. From the end of July, hot and particularly dry conditions prevailed throughout the vineyard. This long heat wave made it necessary in certain situations to irrigate more than usual.
These conditions lasted until the harvest officially opened on 26 September. The heterogeneity of maturity between the grape varieties and the situations in the vineyard lengthened the usual duration of the harvest. As in 2015, the irreproachable sanitary state allowed the harvest of high quality grapes.
The winegrowers experienced a special harvest, very spread out, with contrasting maturities depending on the grape varieties and the parcel situations. The choice of harvest date was a determining factor for the quality of the wines. We had to be patient to harvest at the optimum time. However, the warm days and cool nights allowed us to preserve the aromas.
The first tastings reveal wines marked by freshness, elegance and finesse.
Tasting is crucial in deciding on the vinification choices. The high acidity of certain whites required malolactic fermentation on a case-by-case basis. This year, the work on the lees is very important to structure the wines. The white wines are particularly fresh and tasty with a nice tension on the finish that gives them an airy quality.
The red wines are very colourful and attractive. The acidity and tannic structure vary greatly from one grape variety to another, depending on the ripeness obtained. The bouquet is expressive of spices and red and black fruits. The tannins are firm, well present and coated. Red wines of pleasure and freshness.
Wine conservation
Aging potential of 6 to 8 years (in good temperature and humidity conditions).
