Valais vines a wealth of varieties

Valais is a privileged location. Switzerland’s largest wine-producing region is blessed with both ideal climatic conditions for wine-making and a fascinatingly broad range of different grape varieties and styles of wine. There’s something to suit every taste and budget, with the range spanning from moreish everyday wines to storable, high-quality crus. Sometimes, in very good years, too much wine is produced. But more and more wine makers are realising that good quality is the only way to succeed in the market.

The best-known white wine is Fendant, which is made from Chasselas grapes, a widespread variety in the region. Originating from around Lake Geneva, Chasselas is a subtle grape whose neutral flavours make it the perfect ambassador for the local terroir. Light, lively and elegant, Fendant is ideal for drinks receptions. When it comes to reds, the classic Valais wine is Dôle. It is often equated with quantity over quality, but nowadays numerous vineyards allow this well-known wine to receive the necessary attention. Dôle must be made from a blend of Pinot noir, the most common red wine variety in Valais, and Gamay. For the remaining 15 per cent, additional grapes from the region are permitted, such as Merlot, Syrah, Gamaret and Diolinoir.

Alongside the classic Valais wines, local wine makers are increasingly relying on specialities – namely local grapes. They are distinctive, occupy an attractive niche and provide a pleasant contrast to mainstream varieties. The most high-end white wine grape is Petite Arvine, with approximately 250 hectares of this variety being grown in the region. Petite Arvine is used to make both dry and sweet wines. Its characteristic feature is the salinity in the finish. Other exciting varieties include Heida, Humagne Blanche and exotic grapes such as Lafnetscha and Gewäss.

In terms of reds, the best wines probably come from Cornalin. They are powerful with typical cherry aromas and can be stored for a long time. Cornalin is a cross between Petit Rouge and Mayolet, both originating from the neighbouring Aosta Valley. The climate in Valais is also ideal for both Humagne Rouge and high-quality global grapes such as Syrah. Our selection of five examples shows the great variety that the canton offers.

Words Peter Keller