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.
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.
Johannisberg, Cave de l’Orlaya – 2022
This typical Valais wine is made from Sylvaner grapes. For this year, Mathilde Roux from Fully presents a dry, powerful and fresh Johannisberg with a pleasant length that reveals delicious scents of stone fruits, herbs and almond aromas. A good accompaniment to any meal.
CHF 21 | orlaya.ch
Humagne Blanche Clos de Mangold, Domaine Cornulus – 2022
This local rarity from a leading vineyard is aged in cement eggs and amphoras, resulting in a white wine with lots of tension. Characteristics: bright yellow, floral mineral notes, dry, medium-bodied, fresh, good length.
CHF 34.50 | bauraulacvins.ch
Petite Arvine Calcaire, Valentina Andrei – 2021
Wine maker Valentina Andrei, a rising star from Valais, focuses on local varieties. With its characteristic flavours of yellow fruits and honey notes, good acidity and a salty finish that is typical for the variety, her Petite Arvine is a dry, powerful, full-bodied and long-lasting triumph.
CHF 35 | valentinaandrei.ch
Syrah Les Bernunes, Cave Caloz, Miège – 2022
This noble grape is perfect for the warm climate of Valais. Sandrine Caloz ages the wine in a steel tank and deliberately refrains from using wood. The result is a deep-coloured wine with scents of dark fruits, floral notes (violets) and peppery tones. The Syrah is powerful, juicy and relatively long-lasting.
CHF 24 | cavecaloz.ch
Humagne Rouge, Maurice Zufferey, Sierre – 2022
Humagne Rouge is a wild variety that needs taming. Maurice Zufferey from Siders manages to do just that in masterful fashion. Aged in steel tanks, this still-young wine is characterised by its intense red colours and multi-layered, fruity and tangy bouquet. On the palate, it is the wine’s pleasant density and fine tannins that stand out. A delicate wine that goes well with wild game dishes.
CHF 23 | mauricezufferey.ch
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
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