Grape variety
Petite Arvine
The indigenous jewel of the Valais
On Helvitic you buy your Petite Arvine directly from the Valais cellars that make them, delivered to your door (free shipping from CHF 150 per cellar) or picked up at the cellar. Petite Arvine is the great indigenous grape of the Valais, found almost nowhere else in the world.
Demanding — it requires the best slopes, neither too dry nor too windy — it repays a hundredfold: a nose of grapefruit, wisteria and rhubarb, a palate both lively and generous, and that inimitable signature, a saline finish that calls for the next sip. Vinified dry or late-harvested as a sweet wine, it is one of the greatest whites of Switzerland.
Frequently asked questions — Petite Arvine
What makes Petite Arvine unique?
It is an indigenous Valais grape, grown almost exclusively in the canton. Its profile is instantly recognisable: citrus aromas (grapefruit), wisteria and rhubarb, fine tension, and a characteristic saline finish, rare among whites.
What to pair with a Petite Arvine?
Dry, it shines with fine fish, shellfish, asparagus and fresh goat cheese. In its late-harvest (sweet) version, it pairs with foie gras, blue cheeses and fruit desserts.
Dry or late-harvest Petite Arvine: what is the difference?
The dry version, the most common, is lively and saline. The “flétrie” version comes from grapes dried on the vine and harvested late: the wine is sweet and concentrated, with dried apricot and honey aromas, while keeping the freshness of the grape.