Sélections Puy Arnaud - Vin de France Silt blanc BIO 2024

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Thierry Valette has always had a passion for wine; his great-grandfather owned Châteaux Pavie and Troplong-Mondot, two of Saint-Émilion’s most prestigious classified growths. In 2000, he took over this 13-hectare estate in Belvès-de-Castillon (20 kilometers east of Libourne), committing to the rigorous standards of biodynamic farming. Asterian limestone is predominant at Puy Arnaud. In fact, in the late 19th century, the Clos’s fifteen hectares were classified as a “Premier Cru” of Saint-Émilion! These soils impart great finesse, freshness, and minerality to the grapes, allowing the bouquet to rival that of the “great terroirs” (floral, spices, truffle) as it gradually develops. The wine range stands out for its consistency and coherence: the Pervenche cuvée, with moderate aging potential, is best enjoyed within 5 years to savor its lively fruit. Les-Ormeaux offers a delicately textured wine, paired with exemplary fruitiness and a rich, balanced profile. Velvety in texture and predominantly Merlot, this great wine displays great refinement in its tannic length, with well-defined fruit and a stylish, exceptionally fresh finish. This is undoubtedly one of the most accomplished vintages on the Right Bank. In a blind tasting, this wine will surprise many, as it can hold its own against more prestigious wines. It is one of the most original wines from the Bordeaux region!

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

Thierry Valette has owned this estate in Castillon since 2000. Carefully crafted, the wine established itself from the outset as one of the appellation’s most interesting wines, with a deep and eminently refined style. The vineyard, now cultivated using biodynamic methods, is living up to all expectations. In addition to the flagship wine, Thierry Valette offers two “everyday” cuvées (Bistrot and Rouge) that restore our faith in Bordeaux wines meant for immediate enjoyment. It’s worth noting the consistency of the lineup and the winemaker’s commitment to producing both wines for immediate pleasure and wines of great depth.

Jancis Robinson

James Suckling

Andreas Larsson

About the wine:

A brilliant golden color with youthful green highlights. A clean, lively nose revealing soft notes of oak and a creamy texture from the lees, blending lemongrass, lime, aromatic herbs, ripe yellow fruits, and sweet citrus. Good structure and refreshing acidity with a refined body, featuring young and succulent fruit—dominated by Sauvignon but with a rather vinous character—along with beautiful purity and good length.

Yves Beck

About the wine:

Winemaking in amphorae and barrels using indigenous yeasts, followed by aging in the same vessels. The challenge is to work with a traditional grape variety while avoiding caricature or excessive exuberance. The bouquet perfectly embodies this approach; it is subtle, complex, and precise. In addition to notes of bread dough, it reveals nuances of mirabelle plums complemented by a hint of fennel. On the palate, the wine strikes a balance between the sweetness of the wood and the liveliness of the acidity. The result is a wine that is briny, elegant, and refreshing. 2026–2034