Petite Arvine

A top-class Petite Arvine, possibly the best vintage of this wine that I have yet tasted. Made in tiny quantities (just 5000 bottles a year) by one of Switzerland's best producers - and a highlight of our range. The grapes for this wine are grown in a small parcel of vines in a location called "Illiarisses" near to Ardon, on arid terraces where Petite Arvine can express its characteristics perfectly. Typical for the region, soils here are principally well drained limestone.

Simon Maye harvests manually and after careful pressing there follows slow temperature controlled alcoholic fermentation at around 20°C. The wine remains on the lees until mid-June and is bottled at the end of July. The grapes are late-harvested, at 107° Oechsle which shows in the yellow tinge to the wine. On the nose are aromas principally of zesty citrus with some wisteria. On the palate it is dry, with flavours of rhubarb and citrus, good acid structure and an agreeable hint of salinity. The finish is long and dry with a zesty freshness and aromas of nuts emerging. Good with fish and milder blue cheeses, fantastic with fruits de mer and other seafood. Keeps 5+ years.

Serve at 10°C; Acidity 4.3 gr/l. ABV 13%.