2025 Les Cretes Petite Arvine, Valle d'Aosta

A restrained wine with aromas of white pepper, stones, minerals, spring flowers and candied citrus. Very silky, light-bodied and elegant, with a sleek, refreshing and savory finish. Drink now.

94 points James Suckling

Les Crêtes is one of the benchmark estates of the tiny Valle d’Aosta, Italy’s spectacular mountain wine region tucked against the French and Swiss borders. The Charrère family has farmed here for generations, with Costantino Charrère establishing the modern winery in 1989 and daughters Elena and Eleonora now continuing the family story. Petite Arvine may be better known across the border in Switzerland, but it has found a fascinating home among these high Alpine vineyards.

Altitude defines the style. Steep slopes, intense mountain sunshine, cool nights and dramatic temperature shifts allow Petite Arvine to develop ripe fruit while retaining its naturally lively acidity. The 2025 is particularly appealing for its combination of citrus, orchard fruit and the distinctive saline quality for which the variety is prized. There is flavour and texture here, but no unnecessary heaviness.

Pale straw gold with green flashes, opening with grapefruit, lemon and white peach before Nashi pear and citrus blossom appear. Fresh fennel, crushed stone and a faint herbal note add complexity. The palate is dry and energetic, with grapefruit and pear running through bright acidity and a gently textured middle. Preserved lemon and almond skin emerge towards the finish, followed by a delicious salty snap that leaves the mouth ready for another glass.

Scallops with brown butter and lemon would be superb, alongside grilled prawns with fennel, spaghetti alle vongole, steamed snapper with ginger and spring onion or asparagus with Fontina and toasted hazelnuts. Our pick is the vongole, with plenty of parsley, garlic and good olive oil to play against that salty Alpine freshness.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2032.