Bio Petite Arvine unfiltered, Domaine de Beudon, 2014
Petite Arvine, Valais’ signature grape variety, has somewhat of an enigmatic background. Not only does Valais claim it as its own, the Aosta Valley in Italy and the Savoie region in France do too. There is no absolute proof as to its exact origins, but what we do know with certainty, is that since 1602 it has been produced in Switzerland, and is nowadays mostly grown in Fully, Valais and in the Aosta Valley in Italy.
Petite Arvine can be made into a dry or sweet wine and can age well. Its main characteristics are aromas of grapefruit and a dainty touch of salinity on the palate, however, this particular drop from the Domaine de Beudon unfolds to reveal numerous complex layers. Situated in Fully, Valais, the Domaine de Beudon have been producing bio wine since 1993. Their best plots of vines are nestled up above Fully at 740 to 900 metres and are only accessible by private cable car…, now that is dedication.

Grape harvesting cable car – Source: Beudon Facebook page
The following beautifully shot short video below shows Beudon winemaker Jaques Granges describing his philosophy and passion for the earth that nurtures his vines, set against the backdrop of his high-altitude vineyard – in French with English subtitles.
Nose – Rich, ripe grapefruit, lime, crab apple jelly, a whisper of ginger beer and a mix of the following tropical fruits: papaya, cumquats and guava, with a teeny trace of Alsatian style to it.
Palate – A complex, lively, vigorous wine with an unfeigned peppery bite to it, along with a pinch of bitterness, an inkling of salinity and a nice long finish. Superb!
Food & Mood Match – Trace of salinity…. think sea. Petite Arvine pairs particularly well all things from the ocean: shellfish, crustaceans, fish, seaweed, roe. You may not live by the seaside but there is a multitude of fresh seafood available globally now (can be found at Manor and or Globus) put on some Cafe del Mar (music by the sea), invite a mermaid or merman and relish the moment!
Available at:
Domaine de Beudon
1926 Fully
Téléphone: 027 744 12 75
Auberge de l’Onde 1071 St-Saphorin Price: CHF 28.70 at the Domain
Wine Lingo:
Complex – A wine that has numerous flavours and aromas, lots going on. Not your everyday simple run of the mill type.
By Nina Bobillier
Nina Bobillier is a wine reviewer and guide. nina@lenews.ch
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