Petite Arvine Granite - Valentina Andrei
This wine is a superb representation of the Petite Arvine grape, an indigenous variety of the Valais region. The "Granite" name refers to the distinctive, mineral-rich soils of the vineyard where the grapes are grown, which is the primary influence on the wine's character.
Vintage: Valentina Andrei's winemaking approach emphasizes minimal intervention, with spontaneous fermentation using indigenous yeasts. The wine is often aged in a combination of stainless steel tanks and old oak to preserve its freshness while adding complexity.
Tasting Notes:
On the Nose: The wine offers a complex and vibrant bouquet. You can expect notes of citrus fruits like grapefruit and lime, complemented by delicate floral aromas of wisteria or gentian. There's a pronounced mineral quality, a signature of the granite soil, along with a subtle hint of rhubarb.
On the Palate: The palate is known for its bracing acidity and a racy, lively texture. It's rich and concentrated, with a distinct salty, saline finish that is a hallmark of the Petite Arvine grape. This salinity, combined with a touch of bitterness, provides a beautiful balance and a long, memorable finish. The wine is dry, elegant, and full of character.
Winemaking: Valentina works her vines with a deep respect for nature, employing biodynamic farming practices. In the cellar, she avoids fining and filtration, and uses minimal added sulfur, allowing the wine to express its true varietal and terroir characteristics.
Pairing Suggestions: The wine's bright acidity and saline notes make it an excellent pairing for a variety of dishes. It's a classic match for freshwater fish, seafood, and shellfish. It also complements hard cheeses and is a fantastic aperitif.
14%
Contain sulfates
After gaining valuable experience alongside biodynamic pioneers in Switzerland—Marion and Jacques Granges at Domaine de Beudon, and Marie-Thérèse Chappaz in Fully—Valentina felt compelled to carve her own path through the vineyards.
Hailing from Botosani, Romania, a region abundant with Chasselas, Valentina found herself naturally drawn to the Valais, renowned for its most cherished wine, Fendant—a Chasselas varietal beloved by Valaisans.
Her journey into winemaking began at the tender age of 12, working in vineyards to earn pocket money, a path she felt destined for. After mastering French during law school, Valentina ventured into the Valais, where she instantly fell under the region's spell, captivated by its terraced vineyards and majestic alpine landscapes.
Under the tutelage of Jacques and Marion Grange at Domaine de Beudon, where organic and biodynamic practices reign since 1993, Valentina honed her skills amidst vineyards that seemed like an "island in the sky." She furthered her education at the wine school of Châteauneuf and obtained an oenology degree from Changins.
For six years, she immersed herself in the craft as a cellarist at Marie-Therese Chappaz's domain before realizing her dream in 2015 by establishing her own winery. Embracing biodynamic principles, she exclusively employs the grapes' indigenous yeasts in fermentation.
Farming 3 hectares spread across 19 challenging parcels clinging to the Alps, Valentina faces steep slopes and rugged terrain, necessitating manual labor and horse assistance due to limited access.
My introduction to Valentina Andrei’s wines happened serendipitously five years ago at a Cave Ouvert; her Gamay Vieille Vignes stood out as the finest I've encountered. It didn't take long for sommeliers and aficionados across Switzerland to recognize her exceptional talent.
