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3 indigenous grape varieties from Valais

According to the official website of the Interprofession de la Vigne et du Vin du Valais , the “Old Country” alone accounts for a third of the total production of Swiss wine. More than 60% are made in red compared to barely 40% in white.

Pinot Noir , Gamay and Syrah , three internationally renowned grape varieties, represent the majority of the black grape variety. On the white side, Chasselas and Sylvaner, also called Johannisberg , are at the top of production.

However, Valais has dozens of other grape varieties, both indigenous and non-native (introduced more recently). Certain indigenous grape varieties have seen their grape varieties fall, for different reasons: phylloxera crisis in the 19th century, low productivity, consumer attraction for new grape varieties, etc.

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in Valais minority grape varieties. The canton's winegrowers are indeed keen to preserve and perpetuate all the richness of their wine heritage. Below, the characteristics of three typical Valais grape varieties.

Arvine

In the vineyards

White grape variety, also called Petite Arvine. Arvine bud burst is early and makes this grape variety sensitive to spring frosts. It does not tolerate wind well and is easily affected by gray rot. Late-ripening, this grape variety favors well-drained and warm soils, which allow it to reach perfect maturity.

In your glass

Arvine produces dry wines of great finesse, with aromas of citrus fruits, rhubarb and salty notes, with a pronounced aromatic intensity, balanced by an excellent level of acidity. Harvested later, the Arvine then gives rise to great sweet and sweet wines, of remarkable concentration, with aromas of exotic fruits and jam.

The Amigne

In the vineyards

An emblematic white grape variety from the Vétroz vineyard, Amigne experiences rather late bud burst and maturity. Due to its sensitivity to fungal diseases, notably powdery mildew and downy mildew, as well as coulure and millerandage, its yield is sometimes strongly impacted. Just like Arvine, this grape variety favors well-exposed locations to be able to express its full potential.

In your glass

Vinified both dry and sweet, sometimes benefiting from aging in wood which gives it complexity and fullness, Amigne produces generous wines, with intense aromas of white flowers, candied citrus fruits, orange peel and Honey. This grape variety stands out for its subtle tannic side and its very good acidity level, guaranteeing freshness and structure even in sweet versions. Old vintages are often of exceptional quality.

Maurice Gay 's “Valais d'Or” Amigne de Vétroz vintage comes from steep plots, whose glacial moraine and black schist soils guarantee excellent ripening of the grapes. Vinified dry, this wine reveals all the qualitative potential of Amigne.

Red Humagne

In the vineyards

Unrelated to Humagne Blanche, Humagne Rouge is, like Cornalin , the main historical red grape variety of Valais. Average bud burst and late maturity also require it to be placed on sunny plots with draining soils.

In your glass

Humagne Rouge makes it possible to produce vintages of character with wild and spicy notes. Enlightened enthusiasts appreciate it for its rustic side and its freshness, like the “Valais d'Or” Humagne Rouge cuvée from Maurice Gay, where notes of violet mingle with black forest fruits. The Humagne Rouge Administrators Reserve also reveals all the typicity of the grape variety with its racy side, its blueberry notes and its elegant tannic structure.