Cave de L'Orlaya, Petite Arvine de Fully, Valais 2021

One might say winemaking is in the blood of Cave de L'Orlaya winemaker and owner Mathilde Roux.  As a native of Côtes du Rhône and the daughter of two winemakers, she spent her formative childhood exploring the vineyards of Gigondas and Swiss wine country.  At age seven, she knew the answer to the age-old question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" And Mathilde proclaimed – a winemaker!  Early on, she learned that winemaking goes far beyond a day job and is a lifestyle filled with purpose and passion.  Watching her parents and witnessing first-hand as she ran through the vines that a winemaker connects so profoundly to nature sealed her fate.  

It is hard to imagine all that Mathilde has accomplished already despite being in the beginning stages of her career.  She holds a Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences, a Master's degree in Wine, and a National Diploma of Oenologist.  Her winemaking experience spans international wine regions from France to Switzerland to New Zealand and South Africa.  With hands dirtied and sleeves rolled up, Mathilde learned of a unique opportunity in the tiny Swiss region of Valais.  A mutual friend shared that Gérard Roduit of Cave de L'Orlaya (established in 1982) was searching for someone to bestow his cellar to, as his children showed no interest in the wine industry.  After visiting the property and falling in love with the town of Fully and the traditional varietals of the region, Mathilde purchased Cave de L'Orlaya and set out on her own at 28 years old, no less.

The pristine eight hectares of Cave de L'Orlaya's vineyards root deeply into steep terraces overlooking the Rhône River at the base of the Alps.  The mountain range acts as a barrier to harsh conditions, and the river brings about a moderating effect on temperatures, creating a beneficial microclimate for growing the indigenous varietals.  With such sharp inclination and angled terraces in the vines, Mathilde must harvest all her fruit by hand as machines maneuver between the rows.  Helicopters touchdown near the vineyards, collect the harvested grapes, and transport them to the winery.  She crafts wines of pure terroir expression through strict yield control and the natural concentration of 40-year-old vines.  

We bet you have not tasted many wines made with Petite Arvine in your experience because less than 500 acres are planted in its home country of Switzerland.  Documentation of Petite Arvine vineyards in Valais dates back to 1602, and some argue Valais is the originating region for the varietal.  The Cave de L'Orlaya Petite Arvine is pressed gently over 4 hours before native fermentation in stainless steel.  Mathilde halts malolactic fermentation and ages the wine sur lies for eight months before bottling.  Petite Arvine is known for its vibrant acidity, and this wine is no different.  Its fragrant aromas of grapefruit, lemon zest, and white flowers allure you into flavors of bergamot, chalky minerality, and orange blossoms.  Puckering acid is present on the front palate with a lush and weighted mouthfeel and a touch of salinity as the wine finishes.  Mathilde's 2021 Petite Arvine is a beautiful accompaniment to seafood and shellfish; an ideal wine to enjoy alongside a holiday Feast of the Seven Fishes with a floral, decadent, and refreshing sensibility.