The pearls of Alpine wines

1 x Petite Arvine du Valais 1883 Maurice Gay 

1 x Petite Arvine AOC Valais, Philippe Varone 

1 x Petite Arvine Nobles Cépages, AOC Valais 

1 x Heida AOC du Valais 1883 Maurice Gay

1 x Heida AOC Valais, Philippe Varone

1 x Heida AOC du Valais, Charles Bonvin

Petite Arvine
In 1878, at the meeting of the International Society for Ampelography in Geneva, the experts examined the grapes brought from Valais and confirmed the local appellation of “Petite Arvine” – with the note: “unknown.” The Romans probably brought this grape to Valais. The name, however, is the only thing that points to a Roman origin. Afterall, the Latin word “helvinus” refers to a shade of yellow. This grape variety is not found anywhere else in the world. 

Heida (or Païen)
The ancient white grape probably dates back to pre-Christian times, hence its name. In French-speaking Valais, it is also known as Païen, in Geneva as Savagnin blanc and in Germany as Traminer. The variety comes from the French Jura. What makes this grape so special? At a time when many whites are increasingly interchangeable, Heida wines really have character. With aromas of citrus, exotic fruits, green nuts and honey, they often have slightly smoky notes. Moreover, they age exceptionally well. Full bodied and with structured acidity, this wine can easily be stored in the cellar for twenty years.

Both grape varieties are ideal for raclette or fondue.