| Varietal |
Petite Arvine
: In a small location where the southwestern corner of Switzerland abuts northern Italy hails a high quality white wine grape, which most have never heard of. Petite Arvine may not be a well-traveled grape variety but has been cultivated with passion in Valais (Switzerland) and Valle d’Aosta (Italy) for centuries. The variety is so beloved that vintners and officials of both locations claim the grape as their own. The Petite Arvine grape variety produces a wine full of character that reflects its dramatic terroir which dominates the region’s landscape.
The grape’s origins remain mysterious and DNA testing has yet to determine conclusive evidence of its parentage or any relatives. It has been cultivated in the Valais region of Switzerland for nearly 500 years, where it might have originated and where it is almost exclusively grown today. Some historians, though, argue that it may have originated in the Alpine region of Valle d’Aosta in Northwest Italy. The variety is grown in miniscule amounts in each location and grown with affectionate care, resulting in a white wine that is unique and refreshing, but quite limited.
Petite Arvine wines are defined by their bracing acidity and grapefruit aromas. The wines are straw yellow in color, with an intense and complex floral nose, with hints of violets and wisteria. They are generally medium to full-bodied, full, soft and fresh with aromas of grapefruit, lemon and rhubarb (and violet and wisteria) followed by flavors of citrus fruits, honey, mineral notes and a surprising, but characteristic hint of saltiness on the finish. It possesses medium to high acidity, most often produced into dry white wines, which can be consumed within a few years after harvest. Given its quality and structure, the best wines have the potential to age for at least ten years.
The varietal harvests small, thin-skinned, yellowish-green berries which have a very prominent white bloom (waxy, protective substance) covering the grape. It grows in tight, compact clusters making it susceptible to mildew, botrytis and bunch rot; conversely, it needs sites which are not too dry and is quite finicky in the vineyard. Its saving grace is that the variety is rather productive as well as the high quality of its wines. Despite its obscurity, it still enjoys an international reputation as a high quality wine and considered the white grape of Switzerland.
The terroir in which it thrives is one of the world’s most dramatic. In both Valais and Valle d’Aosta, the soils are comprised mostly of geological upheavals, receding glaciers and alluvial deposits of the Rhone and the Alp’s torrents. Thin rocky soils, both of alluvial and colluvial in origin dominate the landscape providing a stressful environment where vines must work hard to survive. This stress tends to result in the production of high-quality grapes with a good deal of concentration. Likewise, the climate in both is sunny and hospitable and for the most part sheltered from harsh climatic winds and rains, creating a unique microclimate for the grapes to grow unimpeded.
The dramatic topography of the region, however, limits the vineyards space available for cultivation. Much of the valley floor is mineral rich, well-watered soils, but is simply too fertile for quality viticulture. Thus, most sites are located on steep terraced hillsides making cultivation tedious and difficult. It is an expensive endeavor to grow; nevertheless, vintners in the region continue doing so. As the saying goes, “nothing easy is ever worth having.” It may not become one of the top ten grapes in the world, but sometimes the greatest things in life are the little things.
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| Country |
Switzerland
: Switzerland is renowned for its breathtakingly scenic landscapes, including the Swiss Alps, lakes Geneva and Lucerne, quaint villages and fantastic skiing. The country is famous for its fine craftsmanship of high quality knives, luxury watches and the Swiss Army Knife. However, long before music boxes and clocks were being produced, the country was fashioning quality wine. Switzerland may not be recognized as one of the top wine producing countries in world, but it has been cultivating wine grapes for over 2000 years.
This lack of fame is not due to any lack of quality or quantity, but because it is produced mostly for, and consumed by the Swiss themselves. Things, however, are changing for the Swiss wine industry, as the world beyond the Alps is now discovering the high quality of wines being made here. Switzerland’s native and key white wine grape, Chasselas, is planted to one-third of all vineyard space and is highly recognizable within the country, and recently, internationally. Varietals such as Pinot Noir, Gamay, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are beginning to increase in vineyard space and international interest.
The landlocked country is highly influence by its neighboring countries, France, Germany, Austria and Italy. Much like its diversity in language and culture, so is its diversity of grape varieties. This is evident by observing the vineyards planted near and around the country’s border. Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Gewurztraminer are a reminder of the proximity to Alsace (France) and Germany. This is true in regards to the reds of French origin as well (Pinot Noir, Gamay and Merlot). Austria and Italy are also influence in their own right.
Switzerland’s topography is highly suited to a myriad of varietals. Its mountains, terraces and steep slopes provide not only a dramatic landscape, but incredible free-draining soils. The climate is cool overall, but varies dramatically from place to place. Valais enjoys high summer temperatures and abundant sunshine, while Ticino endures frequent storms and high rainfall with some of the country’s highest average temperatures. Each location’s micro-climate and terroir greatly benefit the cultivation of each grape.
Today, Switzerland has 16,000 hectares under vine and with a newly implemented, French-style appellation system being implemented, the country’s wine industry is increasing in structure and cognizance. With an annual production of 148 million bottles produced, Switzerland may not yet be comparable to its neighbors’ production, but each of these countries has progressed in their own fashion as well. The future of the Swiss wine industry looks promising and will be exciting to see its evolution into a major exporting nation.
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