2020 PETITE ARVINE, Elio Ottin. Valle D’Aosta, Italy

Aosta Valley is a small wine region in the far norh west of Italy, literally in the foothills of the Alps, with a very Swiss feel. And Petite Arvine is better known in Switzerland, where it makes that country’s most ‘serious’ dry whites.
This is from south facing vineyards at around 600m. The Ottin estate is just 6 hectares.

100% Petite Arvine, fermented in steel tanks and matured on the lees for 7 months.

Full, but much more delicate than the 14.5% alcohol would imply.

“This has lovely aromas of peaches, but you can also smell the wet stone minerality. A lovely waxy texture reveals white grapefruit and pepper, leading to refreshing saltiness on the finish. Nicely balanced despite relatively high alcohol”. 90/100. Decanter Magazine – on a previous vintage.
“Attractive honey and lime character – much like Riesling, and with the same sort of acidic punch, too. Full body with a creamy texture. Interesting! Loads of flavour here, and a minty, flinty note to finish. Genuine complexity and seems ageable too. (RH)” – www.jancisrobinson.com