Valais
Valais is a canton in southwestern Switzerland widely regarded as the most important wine-producing region in the country. The area's vineyards are concentrated along the Rhône River, which flows through the canton and establishes Valais as the northernmost appellation along the river. The canton's arid climate, with its hot summers and cold winters, is well-suited for grape growing, and the region is known for producing high-quality wines.
Fendant, also known as Chasselas, is the most widely planted grape variety in Valais and is often used to produce crisp, dry white wines. Dôle, a red wine made from a blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay grapes, is another popular wine from the region.
Valais is also known for producing Rèze, an ancient grape variety that is one of Switzerland's oldest indigenous grapes. Valais is the driest wine-growing region in Switzerland, with an average annual rainfall of just 600 mm, contributing to the region's distinctive terroir and the unique character of its wines.
The Charte Grain Noble ConfidenCiel
The Charte Grain Noble ConfidenCiel has played a significant role in the success of sweet wines from Valais since its creation in 1996. Today, around 30 producers in Valais have come together to promote this tradition of producing outstanding wines from vine-dried grapes. To be a part of this charter, producers agree to follow specific rules designed to ensure the high quality of their wines.
One of the key requirements is using traditional Valais grape varieties, such as Petite Arvine, Ermitage, Johannisberg, Amigne, Paien, and Malvoisie, which are planted in the best areas and from vines that are at least 15 years old. Another requirement is to let the grapes develop a high level of natural sugar in the must, with a minimum of 130 degrees Oechslé, without adding sugar. After making the wine, it must mature in wood for at least 12 months, either in casks or barrels.
Finally, to receive the Grain Noble ConfidenCiel label, wines must undergo an internal tasting session by the group, which only selects wines that meet their high standards. This process ensures that only the best and most authentic Valais sweet wines bear the prestigious Charte Grain Noble ConfidenCiel label.
Dôle
Dôle is the name of an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) red or white wine produced in the canton of Valais, Switzerland. The red version of the wine must be made from either pure Pinot Noir grapes or a blend of red grape varieties, with a minimum of 85% of the blend being Pinot Noir and Gamay.
The Pinot Noir must predominate within the 85% blend, comprising at least 51%. The wine comes from the French town of Dole, located just across the border in the Jura region, where famous chemist Louis Pasteur was born. To be considered a true Dôle, the wine must have a minimum weight of 85 °Oe (17 °KMW).
If the must weight is lower than this, the wine is downgraded to a so-called Goron. In addition to the red version of the wine, there is a Dôle Blanche, a lightly pressed white wine made from the same blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay grapes. This wine is also known as "Pinot noir pressé en blanc" or "Süßdruck" in Swiss German. It's worth noting that Dôle is also a synonym for the grape varieties Gamay and Pinot Noir themselves.
Vin du Glacier
Vin du Glacier, or Vin des Glaciers or Gletscherwein, is a rare and mythical wine from Val d'Anniviers in Switzerland. Its origins can be traced back to the transhumance of peasants in the region, who would bring their grapevines up to the high mountain pastures to avoid the summer heat. While the contemporary development of viticulture has caused the disappearance of many traditional winemaking practices, Vin du Glacier has managed to survive. Originally, it was made from the Rèze grape, an old variety wiped out by the Phylloxera epidemic in the late 19th century.
Today, it is made from a blend of other grape varieties, including Malvoisie, Ermitage, Petite Arvine, Fendant, and Humagne Blanc, cultivated on Sierre's hills. The wine is matured in larch barrels in the cellars of Val d'Anniviers, and every year in May and June, the winemaker blends the barrels together, starting with the oldest and moving on to the newer ones. This blending process creates a unique wine that blends more than one vintage, giving it a distinctive character and flavor.
Facts
Valais is the most significant canton in Switzerland for wine production and is responsible for one-third of the nation's annual output.
The canton's vineyard area is clustered along the banks of the Rhône River, establishing Valais as the river's northernmost appellation.
Valais is known for producing high-quality wines, thanks to its arid climate, with hot summers and cold winters, which is well-suited for grape growing.
Fendant (Chasselas) and Dôle, a blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay, are the canton's most widely produced wines.
Rèze, an ancient grape variety, is one of Switzerland's oldest indigenous grapes and is grown in Valais.
Valais is the driest winegrowing region in Switzerland, with an average annual rainfall of just 600 mm.
The Charte Grain Noble ConfidenCiel was created in 1996 and accounts for much of the success today of the sweet wines of Valais.
Around 30 producers in Valais have come together to promote the production of outstanding wines from vine-dried grapes through the Charte Grain Noble ConfidenCiel.
To be a part of this charter, producers agree to follow specific rules, including the use of traditional Valais grape varieties, such as Petite Arvine, Ermitage, Johannisberg, Amigne, Paien, and Malvoisie, which are planted in the best areas and from vines that are at least 15 years old.
Vin du Glacier, also known as Vin des Glaciers or Gletscherwein, is a rare and mythical wine that hails from Val d'Anniviers in Switzerland and is made from a blend of grape varieties.
The red version of the AOC wine called Dôle must be made from either pure Pinot Noir grapes or a blend of red grape varieties, with a minimum of 85% of the blend being Pinot Noir and Gamay.
The white version of Dôle is a lightly pressed white wine made from the same blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay grapes and is known as "Pinot noir pressé en blanc" or "Süßdruck" in Swiss German.
The Valais wine region is home to many different grape varieties, including Pinot Noir, Gamay, Chasselas, Syrah, and Merlot.
The region's wines have a reputation for being complex, with a wide range of aromas and flavors.
In addition to sweet and dry wines, Valais is also known for producing sparkling wines, including traditional method sparkling wines made from Chasselas and Pinot Noir grapes.
Valais is home to several wine festivals throughout the year, including the Fête des Vignerons, which takes place once every 20 years and celebrates the region's winemaking traditions.
The wineries in Valais range from small family-owned operations to larger commercial producers.
Many wineries in Valais offer wine tastings and tours for visitors, making it a popular destination for wine tourism.
Valais is also known for producing other local products, including cheese, dried meat, and fruit, which pair well with the region's wines.
The Valais wine region is a beautiful and unique destination, with its vineyard terraces carved into steep hillsides and stunning mountain vistas, making it a must-visit for wine lovers and travelers alike.
Questions
What is the most important canton in Switzerland for wine production, and what proportion of the country's wine output does it account for?
Where are the vineyards in Valais located, and what makes the region well-suited for grape growing?
What are the two most widely produced wines in Valais, and what grape varieties are used to make them?
What is Rèze, and why is it significant to the Valais wine region?
What makes Valais the driest wine-growing region in Switzerland?
What is the Charte Grain Noble ConfidenCiel, and what rules do producers agree to follow to be part of it?
What is Vin du Glacier, and how is it made?
What are the requirements for a wine to be considered a true Dôle, and what is the wine named after?
What grape varieties are grown in the Valais wine region besides Pinot Noir and Gamay?
What other local products are produced in Valais, and what is their relationship to the region's wines?
