Valle d'Aosta DOC Petite Arvine 2025 Les Crêtes

What kind of wine is it

Petite Arvine by Les Crêtes is an alpine white wine made exclusively from Petite Arvine grapes. The variety ripens late and takes its name from its small berries ("petite" in French). It is one of the most emblematic white wines of Valle d'Aosta. It shows intense minerality, pronounced salinity, and an aromatic profile that’s easy to recognize.

Where it comes from

The grapes come from three vineyards in Valle d'Aosta. Two are in Aymavilles, Champorette and Bufferia, and the third is Frissonnière, in Saint-Christophe. The vineyards lie between 550 and 750 meters above sea level, on south- and west-facing slopes. Soils are morainic, loose and sandy. The alpine climate features short, cool, breezy summers; long, cold winters; little rainfall; and large diurnal temperature swings. This climate gives the wine freshness and aromatic precision.

How it is made

The hand harvest takes place at the beginning of October. The grapes are cooled and then pressed whole with a gentle pressing. The must ferments for about twelve days in stainless steel at controlled temperature. The wine then ages for two months on the lees, i.e., in contact with its lees. Finally, it rests three months in bottle before release.

Tasting notes

In the glass it is a bright straw yellow. On the nose, flowers come first, jasmine and peony, followed by fruit—apple, plum and citrus. On the palate it’s saline and balanced, with mineral nuances carrying the sip through to a fresh, clean finish.

Food pairings

Its salinity and minerality make it ideal with raw seafood such as shrimp, langoustines and oysters, and with fish carpaccio. It also works very well with seafood appetizers and Mediterranean pasta and rice dishes, for example spaghetti alle vongole or a citrus risotto. It’s also excellent as an aperitif.

When to serve it

This is a versatile white, suitable for both aperitif time and fish-based lunches and dinners. Serve it in a tulip-shaped glass, which gathers the floral aromas and highlights its Alpine freshness. Perfect for summer meals and for those seeking a saline, precise white.