The Petite Arvine grape variety is named for its small berries. A native of the town of Chamoson in the Swiss Valais, it was introduced to Valle d’Aosta in the 1970s by the Institut Agricole of Valle d’Aosta.

Valle d’Aosta is located in the northwest Italy. Surrounded by the Alps, the Valle d’Aosta is home to the highest elevated vineyards in all of Europe. Founded in 1989 by Costantino Charrere and Jolanda Plat, Les Cretes is one of only a few commercial wineries in the quaint region of Valle D'Aosta. The winery is located in Aymavilles with the cellar lying one mile from Monte Bianco tunnel. Comprised of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah, as well as the indigenous varieties of Petit Rouge, Fumin, Petite Arvine and Gros Rouge, with 60 acres of vineyards in 6 communes along the river Dora Baltea. Until recently, their entire annual production of a few thousand cases was sold entirely within Italy.

Grape varieties and style: Dry white wine. 100% Petite Arvine (Indigenous vinifera variety) No oak.
Vineyards: Champorrette and Bufferia in Aymavilles (AO) and Frissonniere in Saint Christophe (AO).
Terroir : Loose , sandy, moraine soil. North-western exposure. Altitude 550 to 650 metres (1,804 to 2,132 feet).
First year production: 1992.
Surface: Training method Guyot
Harvest: Harvested by hand at the end of September.
Vinification: Gentle pressing,12 days of fermentation in stainless steel tanks under controlled temperature (18 Celsius/ 64 Farenheit, 1-2 months sur lies maturation, continual batonnage.
Characteristics : Brilliant straw yellow color with young green highlights. Delicate , floral (acacia flower) nose with a hint of citrus, exotic fruit (passion fruit) and sage. A rich texture with grapefruit and piercing minerality on the palate. Long finish with lingering sea salt and mineral overtones.
Food pairings: Fish dishes, shellfish, white meat, salami, short and medium aged cheeses...
Optimum serving temperature: 8-10 celsius( 46-50 Farenheit)
Side note: The name of this variety comes from the fact that the clusters have very small
berries full of concentrated flavor. This variety is popular in both Switzerland and the Aosta Valley, both of which claim paternity. Recent research shows that the original parent vine for this variety is native to the Aosta valley and known as the Orious.
Recommended wine glass: Tulip

bright straw yellow. Its nose is floral, with fragrant notes of jasmine, peony, apple, plum and citrus fruits; rounded and fresh streaks. A balanced taste, with undertones of the ocean and a vivid minerality. 100% Petite Arvine