Petite Arvine Pierra Plata AOC Valais 2022

This Petite Arvine comes from Fully, in Valais, a small town crossed by the Rhône that enjoys a remarkable geographical and geological setting. Pierre Elie Carron farms eight hectares there, three of them for his own range, spread over some thirty small plots. The plot this cuvée comes from lies at 530 metres above sea level, on five levels of terraces held up by dry-stone walls. The vines, planted in 1998 and 2010, take root in crystalline scree mixed with loess.

For part of the harvest, the grapes undergo six hours of skin maceration before pressing, to extract more aromas, while the rest is whole-bunch pressed to gain complexity. Fermentation takes place in stainless-steel tanks, without malolactic fermentation, which preserves all the natural tension of Petite Arvine. The wine is then aged for five months on fine lees, in tank, before bottling.

This wine reveals notes of grapefruit, pineapple, lychee, lemon, white flowers, rhubarb, flint and salt. The nose is intense and complex, from exotic fruit to citrus, with a floral touch. On the palate, the supple, round attack quickly gives way to the wine's structure, carried by citrus, through to a fresh, slightly saline finish typical of the grape variety.

Switzerland, a country known for its majestic mountains and shimmering lakes, also boasts a rich and diverse winemaking heritage. While less famous than its French or Italian neighbors, Swiss viticulture enjoys an excellent reputation thanks to the exceptional quality of its wines. Swiss vineyards are primarily located in the regions of Vaud, Valais, Geneva, Neuchâtel, and Ticino, each offering unique climatic conditions and soils that lend themselves to the cultivation of distinct grape varieties. Valais is the largest wine-growing region in Switzerland, renowned for its aromatic white wines such as Fendant, made from Chasselas grapes, and for powerful reds like Cornalin and Humagne Rouge. The region's dry, sunny climate, combined with schist and granite soils, creates ideal conditions for these grape varieties. The Vaud region, particularly around Lake Geneva, is renowned for its elegant white wines, notably the Lavaux wines, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These terraced vineyards offer not only wines of great finesse but also spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Geneva, while smaller in terms of wine production, is dynamic and innovative, producing a variety of wines ranging from classic Chasselas and Gamay to experiments with international grape varieties. Ticino, close to Italy, is dominated by Merlot, which is vinified there as both red and white (Merlot Blanc is vinified without contact with the grape skins). The mild climate and clay-limestone soils give these wines remarkable structure and complexity. Neuchâtel excels in the production of white wines, particularly its Chasselas, but is also known for its Œil-de-Perdrix, a delicate and highly regarded rosé. Swiss wines, often produced in small quantities but with meticulous attention to detail, are primarily consumed locally or exported in small amounts, making them hidden gems for connoisseurs and wine lovers worldwide. Switzerland is a country where tradition and innovation meet in the vineyards, offering an authentic and high-quality wine experience.