John & Mike Favre, Petite Arvine, Chamoson-Valais, Switzerland 2023

The vineyards are located in the village of Chamoson in Valais, the largest wine-growing commune in Switzerland. The sun-drenched vineyard is situated on a lovely, gently sloping hillside. The particularly mountainous and exotic setting is charming, especially with the cowboy style of the Charles Favre & Fils winery. The 8-hectare vineyard is almost entirely mechanised. Only one parcel with very gravelous soil, that of the 80 years old Petite Arvine, has not been chosen by the Favre family. This makes it possible to do the long, tedious work, by machine and to finish the work, beautifully, by hand.The exact origins of this Swiss indigenous grape remain unknown. It inspires sweet and salty at the same time: In the bouquet with fruits like rhubarb, pineapple or pink grapefruit and in the aftertaste with an elegant salty note. Arvine is one of the most popular grape varieties in Switzerland, despite its complex viticulture on the highest steep slopes.