Introduction: Petite Arvine AOC Valais white wines
This wine is of course just one of many excellent Valais white wines that we have in our range. In our online shop you will also find a large selection of rosé wines, red wines, sparkling wines and digestifs.
If you are looking for a gift, we recommend the various tasting boxes from our gift service, for example, or a gift voucher, which gives the recipient a free choice in our online shop.
The most important facts at a glance
Petite Arvine originates 100% from Valais, where it was first mentioned in 1602 in the vineyards of the hamlet of Molignon above Sion, the cantonal capital of Valais. Alongside Cornalin and Humagne blanche, it belongs to the group of autochthonous grape varieties or old vines. In addition to Switzerland, this variety can also be found occasionally in the Aosta Valley.
Although only cultivated on a comparatively small area of 200 hectares with an annual volume of 40 million liters over a length of 100 km along the Rhone in Valais, this white wine is one of the varieties that enjoys an international reputation.
Origin, origins & significance of the Petite Arvine grape variety
The exact origin of the Petite Arvine grape is unknown. Derived from the Latin name Arvine, it could be assumed that the variety originally came to Valais from the Savoy Arve Valley.
Today, the white wine variety is attributed to Valais as an autochthonous grape variety. This is also because at the meeting of the International Research Society for Viticulture in Geneva in 1878, the experts present, who had examined the grapes from Valais, confirmed the regional designation Petite Arvine and its local origin. This clearly established that Petite Arvine was a native grape variety of Valais.
The grape, which is often referred to simply as Arvine, was given the name Petite to deliberately distinguish it from the related grape variety Grosse Arvine.
Characteristics of the Petite Arvine white wine variety: Growth, maturity and yield
Petite Arvine is a mimosa among grape varieties. It only grows on the very best, sunny and wind-protected terraced sites. However, these must not be too dry. It prefers poor soils and reacts sensitively to herbicides.
As a winegrower, it is important to take these special requirements of this Swiss grape variety into account if you want to produce a white wine of great quality.
This Swiss grape variety sprouts early, but is almost the last to ripen in Valais, 20 to 30 days after Chasselas. Its vegetation cycle is very long. The cylindrical grapes bear small, round berries with a thin greenish-yellow skin. The Petite Arvine variety usually produces a must weight of 95 to 110 degrees Öchsle.
Taste profile of Petite Arvine: Fruity aromas, complex structure and beautiful ripe acidity
Their fine, melting and delicate berry flesh makes these wines inimitable in taste. On the palate, it is lively and racy with a slightly salty aftertaste and a certain minerality. Petite Arvine is also used to make excellent sweet wines in the style of Trockenbeerenauslese.
These wines with residual sweetness can be drunk young, but also have very good ageing potential. After a few years of ageing in the cellar or in the bottle, this white wine variety impresses with its unique harmony and complexity.
Petite Arvine white wines come in numerous varieties: the dry Petite Arvine AOC Valais wine with aromas of wisteria and grapefruit, the slightly sweet Petite Arvine wine with notes of rhubarb and, finally, all the sweet wines, which are reminiscent of exotic fruits with their unmistakable aromas and finish.
Petite Arvine and food: The best combinations
Petite Arvine AOC Valais white wine should always be served chilled so that it can develop its full range of aromas and delight in the glass. The low temperature of 6 to 8 degrees Celsius may come as a surprise at first.
However, this chilled white wine from Valais is a delightful accompaniment to aperitifs, starters, seafood and shellfish dishes, poultry and rabbit dishes and hard cheeses.
Petite Arvine Les Pyramides AOC Valais
The Petite Arvine Les Pyramides AOC Valais has repeatedly been named Switzerland’s best wine at national and international wine awards.
Ambassadeur de Domaine Diego Mathier white AOC Valais
The Ambassadeur de Diego Mathier white AOC Valais also won several gold medals at the Decanter World Wine Awards, the world’s biggest wine awards, and was named the best wine in Switzerland.
Interesting facts about Petite Arvine
Here is an overview of important facts about the Petite Arvine grape variety.
What does Arvine mean in German?
Substantivel‘ Arvine f. (Switzerland) [KULIN.] – also Petite Arvine. Petite Arvine produces a dry, white aperitif and dessert wine.
What goes well with Petite Arvine?
This white wine is an excellent accompaniment to foie gras, fish and shellfish dishes, oysters or a cheese platter with Alpine cheeses. Petite Arvine is the emblematic grape variety from Valais and Valle d’Aosta and is certainly one of the greatest white grape varieties in the world.
