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Grape Variety: What is Petite Arvine

March 3, 2026

Cépage Sorcier : La Petite Arvine c'est quoi ?

Where does it come from?

Probably from Valais ! Despite extensive DNA research, her parents are unknown, but she is first mentioned in a vineyard near Sion in 1602.

This ancient grape variety is often called Arvine in reference books. The name Petite was added in the 19th century after the discovery of a Grosse Arvine. This very rare, distant relative is cultivated by only one or two people in Valais.

Where is it located?

Although cultivated for centuries in the Old Country, Petite Arvine was long neglected. It wasn't until the 1990s that it gained recognition. Since then, its production has steadily increased, driven by the growing interest in indigenous grape varieties.

In Switzerland , Petite Arvine is the fourth most planted white grape variety, far behind Chasselas , which holds the top spot. It has naturally established itself in its native Valais, which has made it its emblematic white grape, and is beginning to attract, albeit on a smaller scale, other Swiss cantons.

Abroad, Petite Arvine has also found a place in the Aosta Valley. After all, the conditions aren't so different in this neighboring region. Finally, a few plots are flourishing in France , from Condrieu to Languedoc .

What does it give to the vine?

Petite Arvine is very difficult to grow in the vineyard, so it's no wonder that, despite its exceptional taste qualities, it was neglected for a long time!

Vigousse is a vigorous plant that buds early but ripens late. This makes it vulnerable to all sorts of problems, from spring frosts to autumn rains. Furthermore, it is susceptible to all kinds of diseases and insects.

She loves basking in the sun, ideally on the best hillsides, but she's delicate and doesn't like the wind. She likes the heat, but not dryness, and arid soils don't suit her. Quite a lot of demands!

If we forgive her whims, it's because she's quite productive, and, above all, because she produces very great wines, in a wide variety of styles!

What kind of wines does it produce?

Petite Arvine lends itself to all kinds of experimentation. Its very high natural acidity, expressiveness, and saline finish guarantee that it always remains fresh and easy to drink, despite fairly high alcohol levels and often impressive power. It knows how to make its mark and capture attention, whether aged in stainless steel tanks or barrels, even new oak.

While it excels in sparkling wines, using the Champagne method, it is also known for its dry white wines, with notes of citrus, especially grapefruit, wisteria, and rhubarb. Here are several typical Valaisan examples:

- Aphrodite, Petite Arvine
- Maurice Gay 1883 Petite Arvine
- Henri Petite Arvine

Petite Arvine produces beautiful, slightly sweet wines with hints of ripe stone fruit and honey. It is also the source of some of the finest sweet wines in Switzerland and the world (the only Swiss wine to have received a perfect 100/100 score from Wine Advocate, or Parker's guide, as of 2025), wines of incredible concentration and breathtaking complexity.

As for its aging potential, the debate is open. Does Petite Arvine gain in depth what it loses in vibrancy? In truth, few bottles have the time to age: it gives so much pleasure in its youth!

What does it go with?

Petite Arvine dry white wine pairs well with rich, oily fish or shellfish, as well as strong-flavored mountain cheeses. For a sweeter version, consider blue cheeses for a contrasting pairing that will bring out the best of both worlds!