Nick Dobson Wines Valais

Valais The canton of Valais is arguably the pre-eminent winegrowing district in Switzerland today. Vines are grown along an 80km strip of the Rhône valley, which extends from Martigny to Brig. This is a glacial valley (the Valais still has many glaciers), with a relatively flat valley floor, and in many places extremely steep hillsides. Some vineyards are on slopes of as much as 70°, and construction and maintenance of these are thus very labour intensive and hence costly. Much wine here is grown at quite high altitudes; that from the valley floor and lower slopes is up to around 650m above sea level, but some comes from some of the highest vineyards in Europe, at Visperterminen in the Haut Valais, where vines thrive at altitudes of well above 1000m. The Valais climate is very dry, often bordering on drought; in fact this part of the Rhône valley is of the driest valleys in the Alps, with the surrounding mountains preventing access by rainclouds. Summers are hot, winters and early spring cold, though tempered by the warm dry foehn winds blowing up from the mediterranean. A wide range of grape varieties is grown in the Valais, reflecting the varied terrain, historical isolation, a rich viticultural recent past and a vibrant winegrowing culture today. Isolation has meant that the now rare indigenous red and white varieties (Humagne Blanche & Rouge, Petite Arvine, Amigne, Cornalin, Heida, to name but a few) have survived in commercial production. The 19th century saw the introduction of varieties such as Pinot Noir and Chasselas from elsewhere, and more recently other international varieties have been introduced. Valais today produces a superb range of wines - powerful reds from indigenous and international grape varieties rival anything produced elsewhere in Europe, and a range of lovely whites including some lovely Fendants.

Organisation of this Page The Valais page is now the largest and most populated of our Swiss pages, with more wines than from any other region. The organisation has been revamped to make it easier to use, and is now as shown below; you can jump quickly to the relevant place by clicking on the links:- 1st - A Section about Fendant 2nd - A section about Dôle 3rd - Information about White Valaisan Grape Varieties 4th - Information about Red Valaisan Grape Varieties 5th - Wines are listed by producer - quick links to producers:- Henri Badoux, F&D Giroud, St.Jodernkellerei, Simon Maye, Gregor Kuonen, Varone, Josef-Marie Chanton

Section 1 - Fendant

"Fendant" is the name used widely in the Valais for good quality Chasselas-based wines; which represent some 30% of Valais output. It is derived from the French verb "fendre", meaning "to split", which is exactly what the golden Chasselas grape does if squeezed between thumb and forefinger, rather than becoming squashed.

Fendant is the Swiss white wine most often encountered by tourists to the Valais ski-slopes; minor Fendants will be found as jug-wine in cafés and ski-chalets, with better versions available by the bottle in local inns and restaurants. If you've been skiing in the Valais, you've probably tried it already.

A typical Fendant is fresh and fruity, with a refreshing C02 prickle, and will normally be quite dry, with delicate fruit and racy mineral flavours, often with hints of smoke and gunflint on the nose, and an exquisite bitterness on the finish. A highly flexible wine, Fendant works well both as an apéritif and with food - a wine for all circumstances.

The Chasselas grape used for Fendant is highly expressive of terroir, and there are some quite notable differences between wines grown in different parts of the Valais. Wines from around Sion are fresh and rich; those from Ardon and Vétroz stimulatingly dry; those from Martigny have a fragrant bouquet. Perhaps the best come from the areas around Sierre, Chamoson, and Saillon, which combine fruit and an exquisite bitterness on the finish; here some truly memorable Fendants can be found, and our range of Fendant wines is strongly focused on those from Chamoson. Good examples age well, and after 5 years or so will lose their youthful character and can develop complex nutty and honeyed flavours.

Ideally, drink a bottle of Fendant on the day you open it (not much of a hardship!). It will keep in the fridge for a day or two once opened, but will lose the slight C02 prickle, an integral part of the character of the wine; this is especially so if you use a wine saving vacuum device - totally "flat" Fendant just isn't the same.

Section 2 - Dôle

Dôle and its lesser cousin Goron are well-known Valaisan red wines - they are not grape varieties as such - rather they are blends of Pinot Noir and Gamay (and occasionally with a very small percentage of other grapes). To qualify as Dôle, natural sugar levels in the constituent grapes must pass certain levels - if not, the wine is declassified as Goron - a light rustic quaffing wine with which we are not further concerned. However within this simple definition there is a wide variety of offerings; the ratio of the two varieties varies from 51% Pinot Noir:49% Gamay through to 100% Pinot Noir (Goron is permitted more Gamay). Generally speaking, the wines with higher proportions of Pinot Noir are better, and as we follow the river Rhône westwards towards Lake Geneva, the proportion of Pinot Noir gradually decreases. Also, since 1993, growers have been allowed to add 10% of other grape types. There is speculation as to whether this is a good thing - optimists contend that the addition of varieties such as Syrah will improve overall quality - time will tell.

Dôle can vary in quality from a light insipid confected wine right through to lovely complex and long-lasting examples - serious stuff indeed. The best examples are from the area around Chamoson and Sierre.

Dôle and Goron are to Valais reds what Fendant is to white - a staple offering in the region. Skiers in the Valais are equally likely to have come across these wines as they are to have encountered Fendant.

Section 3 - Valaisan White Grape Varieties

There is a fascinating selction of indigenous white grape varieties found in the Valais; most of these are known only within Switzerland, and are not often seen outside their region of production. They are amongst the rarest grape varieties in the world, and many are grown at very high altitudes, some (those from Vispertermin) from the highest-altitude vineyards in Europe. We have a selection of these wines; obscure they may be, but they are also excellent and from top makers.

Heida (Païen)

The Heida grape, also known in French as Païen, is closely related to the Savagnin Blanc grown in the French Jura. In Switzerland, it is grown only in the Valais, principally in the vineyards atound Visperterminen, at an altitude of some 1100 metres above sea level, where the Föhn, a warm southerly wine, helps ripen the grapes. This is a truly old variety; the first written records date from 1586, when it was referred to as "Heyda", but it has been in use much longer. Indeed, the name "Heida" itself is local patois for "ancient" or "from an earlier time", and the French name "Païen" descends from "Pagan", i.e. before Christianity. Plantings today are still limited, with just some 15 hectares in commercial production. In the vineyard, Heida's grapes are small and compact, and are yellowish and aromatic. It ripens mid-season - later than Chasselas, but before Petite Arvine. Heida makes, in my view, some of the best Valaisan white wines; these can be complex and powerful, with exotic fruit flavours including quince. Heida ages quite well, and should last 5 years without problems. They can also be versatile when food matching, going well with many vegetable dishes, cold meats, and fish.

Petite Arvine

The white Petite Arvine is a long-established Valaisan grape variety, and is one of the varieties that makes the Valais so very interesting. It is considered by many to be the quintessential Valaisan white wine grape. Opinion is divided over its origins; it is widely believed to have originated from the region of Martigny, although some think it originates in the Aosta valley in Italy, from where it arrived in Valais towards the end of the Middle Ages. Officially, it is of "unknown origin". When vinified dry, the wine can be very classy, with excellent structure, a bouquet including aromas of grapefruit, wisteria, rhubarb and honey, and a palate of concentrated fruit, balanced with good acidity, and sometimes a saline note on the finish. It ages well, and because of these qualities, is popular and is now widely grown in the Valais, where there are today some 115 hectares in various sites along the valley, from Sion to Martigny. The Petite Arvine can be fussy in the vineyard, being frost-sensitive, and requires quite a lot of water, limiting the sites which are suitable. Yields are quite low by Swiss standards, from 0.5-0.7 litres per square meter.

Gwäss

Gwäss is indeed a rare grape; in 1994, a mere 1.35 hectares were cultivated commercially in the Valais. Gwäss is a synonym for Gouais Blanc, a white grape variety that is believed to have originated in Croatia, and which is important as the ancestor of many modern French and German wine varieties. This may have been the grape given to the Gauls by Probus (Roman Emperor 276-282), who overturned Domitian's decree banning grape growing north of the Alps. By the Middle Ages it was the most widely grown white grape in northeast France and in Central Europe. Gouais blanc was the grape of the peasantry - indeed the name Gouais derives from the old French ‘gou’, a term of derision befitting its traditional status as the grape of the peasants, normally growng on flat land next to the better slopes where the nobility grew Pinot. Having been widely grown in proximity to Pinot, the two varieties had many opportunities to cross, and Gwäss is believed to be parent to many other varieties, the better known of which are modern day Chardonnay, Aligoté, Auxerrois, Gamay, Colombard, and Riesling. The name Gwäss was first recorded in 1823. It's a vigorous high-yielding variety, and traditionally produced wines with high acidity.

Humagne Blanche

The Humagne Blanche is the oldest known white grape originating in the Valais. It is cited in a historical document dated 1313, and recording the sale of a vineyard in Sion, which makes reference to the grapes grown - "de Neyrum, de Humagny" and "de Regy" - the first is a black grape, the latter two undoubtedly the Humagne Blanche and the Rèze. It gives a wine rich in iron - 3 times the level found in most other grapes - accounting for its reputed medicinal qualities, in particular in bygone days as a tonic for pregnant women, monks, and bishops! Following the phylloxera outbreak, this variety faced near extinction at the start of the 20th century, and now there is just over 7 hectares planted, making it one of the world's rarest grape varieties. It is a mid-season ripener, with grapes maturing some 7-10 days after the benchmark Chasselas, and produces a moderate yield of grapes with sugar levels which are not particularly high - much of the output is used to make wines of modest alcoholic strength, in the range 10-12% ABV, and which are fresh and drunk young. Better quality wines can give a scented, rich, full-bodied wine with much fruit, a hint of resin, and are of some considerable quality, with excellent aging potential. Humagne Blanche is unrelated to the red Humagne Rouge, despite the apparent similarity in the name.

Rèze

The Rèze, or Resi, grape is, alongside the Heida and Humagne Blanche, one of the oldest white grape varieties still grown in the Valais. Once, Rèze was grown widely here, but in more rcent times has suffered serious decline, with less than a hectare remaining in commercial production, around Sierre, and in the alpine vineyards of Visperterminen. Various factors have conspired to cause this; it's hard to grow, has limited yield, and lesser examples can be thin, acidic, and uninspiring. Much of the production from around Sierre is used to make a base wine for the sherry-like Vin des Glaciers, a highly sought-after rarity. Better quality is available in Visperterminen.

Cornalin (Vin Rouge du Pays)

Probably the oldest red grape variety grown in the Valais, the Cornalin is referred to in documents as old as the 9th century. Until the end of the 19th Century this local vine was the most common variety in the Canton. This speciality variety used to be termed "Rouge du Pays", but due to irregular yields and a magnesium shortage in the soil, the Cornalin had almost disappeared by the end of the 20th century. Fortunately the Cornalin has experienced a revival in the last 15 years, but it still remains rare.

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Humagne Rouge

Humagne Rouge is unquestionably the highest quality, and probably the most interesting of the indigenous red varieties grown in the Valais. It is grown nowhere else in Switzerland, although it's close relative, Oriou, is grown just over the border in the Aosta valley in Italy. It has large dark-blue berries, and has more tannins than Pinot Noir, but less than Syrah, and produces wines which are generally robust, and varying in style from light and rustic through to big and powerful, especially when oak-aged. They can often develop finesse and style with some bottle age. The best Humagne Rouge wines are quite remarkable, and the variety is undergoing something of a renaissance, with the area devoted to it increasing. It can be tricky to cultivate; it's a late-ripening variety, and the site can be critical to ensure full maturity, with south-facing slopes being a requirement in more marginal areas. The must produced can be quite low in acidity, and in the absence opf full maturity, the wine can be green and herbaceous in style. The harvest can in some places take place as late as November. Humagne Rouge is not related to the white Humagne Blanche, despite the apparent similarity in the name.

Henri Badoux, Aigle

Although the quaint town of Aigle, with it’s fairytale castle, is just over the border from the Valais into the neighbouring Chablais region (Vaud), we include Badoux in the Valais section because they make some excellent Valaisan wines in addition to those from Chablais. Founded in 1908, Badoux make a wide range of wines from grapes grown in and around Aigle and neighbouring Yvorne, and further afield in the Valais, and of relevance to this section are their respectable Fendant "Sept Dizains" and Dôle "Caroline". This is a dependable professional supplier who offer wines of good quality.

Dôle du Valais 2009 Caroline Henri Badoux, Aigle
Ref: 4110157

This classic Dôle is a deep pastel red with granite tinges, and aromas of fruit, smoke, and dusky spice. On the palate it is soft and gentle, with lovely smooth fruit, and a spicy dry earthiness. Good length, dry and spicy. Nice with pasta.

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Price: £18.30 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Fendant de Chamoson 2008 "Sept Dizains" Henri Badoux, Aigle
Ref: 4110112

This classic Fendant has a pale yellow colour, with a bright fresh nose of fruit and spice. The palate is principally fruity, pétillant, dry, and very refreshing, with notes of smoke and gunflint. The finish is quite long and dry, with smooth minerality, and a hint of honey. A lovely summer wine.

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Price: £15.30 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Fendant de Chamoson 2009 "Sept Dizains" Henri Badoux, Aigle
Ref: 4110154

Heida du Valais 2009 Henri Badoux, Aigle
Ref: 4110155

This wine comes from vineyards on the hillsides around Chamoson, where vines grow on schist soils. The 2009 vintage followed a cold winter, and the vegetative cycle was late starting, but caught up later in the season due to a very hot May and June. An erratic summer with periods of rain followed, and a cool September allowd slow maturation, promoting the concentration of aromas. Vinification was traditional, aging in stainless steel tanks and without malolactic fermentation. A beautiful golden straw yellow with aromas of lemongrass and resin. On the palate good attack, rich, with good structure. Mineral and creamy with yeasty notes. An ideal apéritif, goes well with asparagus, fish dishes, or soft cheeses. Serve at 10 to 12°C.

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Price: £23.40 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Petite Arvine du Valais 2009 Henri Badoux, Aigle
Ref: 4110156

TN to follow.

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Price: £24.60 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Cornalin du Valais 2009 Henri Badoux, Aigle
Ref: 4110160

A lovely example of a wine made from rare Cornalin grapes grown on the hillsides of the right bank of the Rhône near Sion, on gravel and shale soils. Traditional vinification in stainless steel tanks. A lovely ruby red with purple hues. Complex fruity aromas with black cherry and spice. On the palate nicely balanced with good structure, a core of crunchy dark fruits with supple tannins; good length. Ideal with red meats and game; particularly good with lamb, partridge, guinea fowl, quail, pigeon or soft cheeses. Drink 14-16 ° C. Drink - now to 2017. ABV 12.5%.

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Price: £24.60 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Amigne de Vétroz 2009 Sélection Vieilles Vignes F&D Giroud Chamoson
Ref: 4110127

Popular tradition tells that roman legionnaires introduced the Amigne vine into the Valais region where it has been preserved for two millenniums. Modern research contests this theory, but has been unable to prove the origin of this grape variety which only flourishes in the area around the village of Vétroz. The slate soil typical of this region constitutes a terroir which encourages the full expression of this specialty. The grapes selected by Dominique Giroud are from the Abbaye de Vétroz’s ancient vines which are over 40 years old.

Vinification - slow and careful pressing, an initial period of lowtemperature fermentation and six month of aging in vats combine to guarantee a rich, full-bodied wine while also ensuring the cool finesse of the aromas. The optimal maturity of the harvested grapes gives the Amigne de Vétroz its slight residual sugar which varies between 5 and 6 grammes according to the year.

A golden yellow with an expressive bouquet is characterized by touches of citrus fruit, figs and linden blossom. There are citrus aromas, reflected on the palate along with hints of honey and vanilla. Good acidity, touches of tannins and a fine bitterness combine to make this a virile wine, unctuous and solidly structured, but also soft and delicate.

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Price: £19.50 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Amigne de Vétroz 2005 La Danse des Étoiles F&D Giroud Chamoson
Ref: 4110068

Premium Amigne from Giroud. Popular tradition holds that the Amigne grape was introduced to the Valais two millenia ago by the Romans; modern research disputes this idea, but is unable to prove the origin of this variety that prospers around the village of Vétroz, where broken slate soils typical of this region prove an ideal home for it.

The grapes for this wine come from 40 year-old vines from the Abbey of Vétroz, where yields are restricted to 600g/m2. They are pressed slowly and gently, followed by a single fermentation at low temperature to maximise body and roundness while retaining finesse and freshness of aromas. The wine is then aged for 6 months in 400 litre barrels prior to bottling. The optimal maturity of the grapes gives this wine a slight residual sugar level of between 5 and 6 grams.

A pale yellow, with a bouquet characterized by expressive notes of orange peel, mandarin, and a touch of vanilla. On the off-dry palate there is rich citrus fruit, with touches of honey and vanilla. Good acidity, gentle tannic notes, and a slight pleasing bitterness combine to make a well structured yet tender and delicate wine. Keeps up to 10 years. ABV 12.7%.

Serve at 10°-12° C with warm foie gras, freshwater fish dishes, or even mildly spiced Asian cuisine. Also good with desserts based on hazelnuts or almonds.

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Price: £24.00 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Petite Arvine 2009 F&D Giroud Chamoson
Ref: 4110120

It is thought that the Petite Arvine grape originated in the Aosta Valley and was brought to the Valais region in the Middle Ages. Today, varietal is only grown in the Valais where it is considered the quality Swiss white grape variety. This excellent example from Giroud is from grapes grown on the alluvial cone of Chamoson.

Vinification - after slow and careful pressing, a single period of low temperature fermentation and six month of aging in vats guarantee a rich and full-bodied wine while also ensuring finesse and freshness of its aromas. A yellow with green apple shades, and a racy bouquet characterized by hints of blackcurrant flower, grapefruit and rhubarb. This vigorously structured wine offers an ideal combination of delicacy and complexity and has a characteristic slightly salty finish, typical for this grape variety. ABV 13.2%. Serving temperature 8° - 10°C Keeps - to 2018+ if correclty cellared. A perfect complement to seafood, calf’s sweetbread and cheese, the Petite Arvine also goes wonderfully with warm foie gras. It is also an ideal aperitif wine.

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Price: £19.50 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Heida de Chamoson 2009 F&D Giroud Chamoson
Ref: 4110122

TN to follow.

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Price: £21.60 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Humagne Blanche 2009 F&D Giroud Chamoson
Ref: 4110121

The Humagne Blanche is the oldest known white grape originating in the Valais. It is cited in historical records going back to 1381 under the name "Humani". It gives a wine rich in iron - 3 times the level found in most other grapes - accounting for its reputed medicinal qualities, in particular in bygone days as a tonic for pregnant women, monks, and bishops! Following the phylloxera outbreak, this variety faced near extinction at the start of the 20th century, and now there is just over 7 hectares planted, making it one of the world's rarest grape varieties.

Vinification - Slow and careful pressing, an initial period of low temperature fermentation and six month of aging in vats combine to guarantee a rich, full-bodied wine while also ensuring the cool finesse of the aromas. A Golden Yellow colour, with a powerful floral bouquet, characterized by a subtle mixture of linden blossoms, honey and hazelnuts. The vinosity combines with good acidity to create a fresh, fruity wine with delicate touches of honey and dried fruit followed by a long, fresh finish.

Humagne Blanche is a marvellous accompaniment to mousses, terrines, cold cuts and Alpine cheese.

ABV 12.5%. Drink - now to 2016. Serving temperature 8° - 10°C

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Price: £19.80 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Humagne Blanche Trémadières 2008 La Danse des Étoiles F&D Giroud Chamoson
Ref: 4110128

Mentioned in 1313 in a legal document, the Registre d’Anniviers, the Humagne Blanche is one of the oldest varietals grown in the Valais region. Popular tradition traces its origins back to Roman times, and its supposedly high iron content has given it the nickname "vin des accouchées", or "the wine of women who have just given birth". Modern research has called both these legends into question, however. The Humagne Blanche is a varietal that grows only in the Valais region. It is not related to the Humagne Rouge, and almost completely disappeared in the 20th century due to its low yields and susceptibility to disease.

The Humagne Blanche Danse des Etoiles is made from grapes grown on the alluvial cone of Chamoson which are carefully selected by Dominique Giroud from vines with a deliberately small yield of 600 g/m2.
Vinification - slow and careful pressing, a single period of low temperature fermentation and aging in wooden barrels guarantee a maximum full-bodied depth while also ensuring the cool finesse of this wine’s aromas. Twelve months of aging in 400-litre barrels concludes the elaboration of this speciality.
A golden yellow colour with a wonderfully lively bouquet combining white peaches, melon and cashew nuts with a touch of elegant yet discreet vanilla flavour. Aromas - this rich and opulent wine combines a fruity delicacy with hints of vanilla. As the wine matures, walnut and hazelnut notes appear.

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Price: £25.50 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Johannisberg de Chamoson Sélection Vieilles Vignes 2009 F&D Giroud Chamoson
Ref: 4110126

Originating in Transylvania, the Johannisberg grape was introduced to Valais in the early 20th Century. The grapes for this wine are over 45 years old and grow on a terraced, steep hillside with rocky clay soils and yield an average of 800g/m2.

A Pale yellow colour, there are floral aromas with traces of gingerbread and marzipan. On the palate the fruity flavours are intense, with hints of cloves. Good long finish, with some spice. Serve around 8-10° C, ABC 12.6%. Keeps: 25+ years. Good now but will improve further with some bottle age. This is a classic aperitif wine but can accompany asparagus cheese, fish and shellfish equally well.

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Price: £18.60 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Brut de Brut 2009 F&D Giroud Chamoson
Ref: 4110130

A delicious sparkling wine made from 100% Chardonnay grapes cultivated in the Valais. The grapes are neither crushed nor destalked. A slow and gentle pressing process and a slow fermentation create a delicate wine; a light yellow with a fine mousse, and a nose of white fruit and almond hints. Brut de Brut is a pleasant and well balanced sparkling wine, lively and elegant. Drink on its own or with white meats and shellfish; serving temperature 6° - 7°C. ABV 13%.

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Price: £18.00 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Humagne Rouge de Chamoson 2009 F&D Giroud Chamoson
Ref: 4110123

This very old indigenous grape variety probably belongs to the same family as the Petit Rouge or "Oriou" from the Aosta valley just over the border in Italy. A cherry red colour, this wine has forest aromas, pine and "arolle", notes of toast and cinnamon. On the palate, pomegranate dominates with hints of liquorice. Its finish is enhanced by vanilla aromas. This wine lingers long and silky on the palate. 13.1% ABV, serve around 14° C. Drink: Now and through to 2015 if cellared correctly. Goes well with game and other strongly flavoured meats.

Awards for this and earlier vintages:-

2000 Grande Mention, 36e concours intern. oenologique de Vinitaly, Vérone
2001 Cep de Bronze, Trophée des 7 Ceps, Bourg-en-Bresse
2001 Gold Masters, European Masters of The Degustation, Luxembourg
2001 Médaille d’or, concours international, Zürich
2002 Médaille d’honneur, concours international, Zürich
2003 Nobilis d’argent, concours VINEA, Sierre
2004 Nobilis d’argent, concours VINEA, Sierre

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Price: £19.50 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Humagne Rouge de Vétroz Balavaud 2008 F&D Giroud Chamoson
Ref: 4110129

Known in Italy as "Cornalin d’Aoste", the Humagne Rouge is neither related to the Ouriou or Humagne Blanche nor the Cornalin of the Valais region, despite persistent legends to the contrary. This specialty was long considered marginal and is now grown only in the Valais area. It has regained popularity over the past two decades and is cultivated more and more frequently today. The grapes for this wine were harvested from deliberately small-yield (500g/m2) vines are aged over a long period in oak barrels. Slow maceration over a period of three to four weeks allows for the gentle extraction of the tannins that produce the colour and structure of this red wine. A second period of fermentation in new 400-litre barrels completes the aging process.

A deep crimson, the nose has violets, Swiss stone pine and cinnamon standing out in a floral bouquet which also includes hints of toast. On the palate a powerful wine with rustic, hearty overtones. Dark fruit
balances well with silky tannins. 13.0% ABV. Serving temperature 13° - 14°C. Keeps - 5 to 10 years from the vintage if correctly cellared.

Delicious with game, grilled meats, wild fowl and hard cheeses.

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Price: £27.90 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Cornalin de Chamoson 2008 Ravannay La Danse des Etoiles F&D Giroud Chamoson
Ref: 4110124

**(*)

This is a premium Cornalin from Giroud - big, dark, and powerful. The grapes come from Ardon, one of the top sites for Cornalin. The winemaking process includes a long slow maceration of some 4 weeks, to get maximum extraction of tannins and pigment to ensure structure. The wine is then aged in large oak barrels for some 18 months, during which time it undergoes the second (malolactic) fermentation, which brings softness and smoothness.

A deep dark ruby red, tinged with purple, the nose is powerful, dominated by spice and black cherry fruit, with blueberry, clove, and vanilla notes. On the palate it is full-bodied, with plenty of dark crunchy fruit, spice, all balanced by good acidity and smooth silky tannins. Approachable alrteady, but will improve with bottle age upt to 10 years. 13% ABV, serve at 14 ° -15 ° C with game, grilled meats, poultry and powerful hard cheeses.

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Price: £28.80 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Cornalin de Chamoson 2008 Ravannay La Danse des Etoiles F&D Giroud Chamoson

Heida Barrique 2005 St. Jodern-Kellerei Visperterminen
Ref: 4110091

* *(*)

A huge wine; oaked Heida of immense complexity and weight.

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Price: £31.80 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Dôle Blanche AOC Visperterminen 2006 St. Jodern-Kellerei Visperterminen
Ref: 4110096

Dôle Blanche is a rosé wine made, as is the case with red Dôle, from a mixture of Gamay and Pinot Noir grapes. This example has a light salmon pink colour, with a delicate fruity nose redolent of strawberries. On the palate it is soft and very slightly off-dry, full-bodied, and with good structure. Good length.

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Price: £16.20 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Simon Maye et Fils, St. Pierre de Clages

Founded in 1948, this is truly one of Switzerlands most respected producers, whose wines are rightly seen as absolutely perfectly vinified, the best of the best of Swiss wine. Since the death of Simon, the estate is now run by his 2 sons, Axel managing the cellars and winemaker, whilst his brother Jean-François is responsible for their 8 hectares of vines. The estate produces a variety of wines, ranging from flawlesss Fendants from top sites, through to powerful reds, of which their Syrah is especially noteworthy.

Fendant AOC Chamoson 2009 "Trémazières" Simon Maye & Fils St. Pierre de Clages, Chamoson
Ref: 4110134

This is a really excellent Fendant, one of the best I've tasted. A very pale yellow, with a perfumed nose of fruit and minerals. On the palate the first thing that hits you is the slight CO2 prickle followed by dry smooth minerality and hints of grapefruit; there is excellent length, dry, with hints of honey, stone, and gunflint, and an exquisite bitterness, leaving you wanting more... This is a racy wine, elegant, just lovely. Which is nothing less than you would expect from this excellent maker, widely regarded as one of Switzerland's best. 11.5% ABV.

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Price: £19.80 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Fendant AOC Chamoson 2008 "Moette" Simon Maye & Fils St. Pierre de Clages, Chamoson
Ref: 4110115

**(*)

The premium Fendant in our range. The grapes for Moette come from steep terraced slopes at Ardon, to the west of Sion and not far from the Rhone. Soils here are principally well-drained limestone, and there is excellent exposure to the sun. The grapes are harvested manually, and after careful pressing, alcoholic fermentation takes place slowly at 20° C, with no malolactic fermentation. The wine rests on the lees till the beginning of March and is bottled in April.

A very pale yellow-green, with a nose of wisteria, citrus and asian pear. Plenty of clean crisp citrussy fruit on the palate, underpinned with a vibrant minerality, and a fine salty acidity. This Fendant is built for the long haul - keeps up to 10 years - and is a perfect partner for freshwater fish, and seafood generally. Works well on its own as an apéritif. Serve 8 - 10° C. ABV 12.0 %

To see a picture of the Moette vineyard, click on MORE.

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Price: £20.40 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Johannisberg 2009 Simon Maye & Fils St. Pierre de Clages, Chamoson
Ref: 4110125

**(*)

The grapes for this Johannisberg are grown in a location called "Ravanay" - which has chalky/gravel soils. Harvesting is manual and these grapes were harvested with 95° Oechsle. Slow alcoholic fermentation at a temperature of 20°; the wine rests on the lees till the March following the harvest, prior to bottling. A pale golden yellow, with a velvety smooth texture, and flavours of almonds with strong mineral underpinning. It's quite a low-acid wine, but the minerality ensures it's ageing charateristics. Works well with asparagus, fish, or fine cheeses. Keeps 5 - 15 years; serve at around 12 °C.

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Price: £23.70 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Johannisberg 2009 Simon Maye & Fils St. Pierre de Clages, Chamoson

Heida (Païen) 2007 Simon Maye & Fils St. Pierre de Clages, Chamoson
Ref: 4110116

**(*)

The grapes for this wine come from 2 individual vineyards - Trémazières and Chauffisse - where gravel soils suit this variety perfectly, with a yield of 45 hl /hectare. The grapes were harvested manually with 100 ° Oe, and gently pressed, followed by slow alcoholic fermentation at 20 ° C, and resting on the lees with regular batonnage. Bottled after 2 years. A dry wine with much body, with aromas and flavours of citrus and quince, and exceptional length. Good companion for Fish, sausage, beans, salted meat, and even mild curry. Keeps to 10 years, serve chilled to 12 ° C. VERY LIMITED STOCK.

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Price: £34.20 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Heida (Païen) 2007 Simon Maye & Fils St. Pierre de Clages, Chamoson

Heida (Païen) 2008 Simon Maye & Fils St. Pierre de Clages, Chamoson
Ref: 4110141

**(*)

The grapes for this wine come from 2 individual vineyards - Trémazières and Chauffisse - where gravel soils suit this variety perfectly, with a yield of 45 hl /hectare. The grapes were harvested manually with 100 ° Oe, and gently pressed, followed by slow alcoholic fermentation at 20 ° C, and resting on the lees with regular batonnage. Bottled after 2 years. A dry wine with much body, with aromas and flavours of citrus and quince, and exceptional length. Good companion for Fish, sausage, beans, salted meat, and even mild curry. Keeps to 10 years, serve chilled to 12 ° C. 13.5% ABV.

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Price: £34.80 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Heida (Païen) 2008 Simon Maye & Fils St. Pierre de Clages, Chamoson

Petite Arvine 2008 Simon Maye & Fils St. Pierre de Clages, Chamoson
Ref: 4110118

**(*)

A top-class Petite Arvine, made in tiny quantities (just 5000 bottles a year) by one of Switzerland's best producers, and a highlight of our range. This wine was also rated 3 stars (top rating) in the Guide Hachette.

The grapes for this wine are grown in a small parcel of vines in a location called "Illiarisses", near to Ardon, on arid terraces where Petite Arvine can express its characteristics perfectly. Typical for the region, soils here are principally well-drained limestone. Maye harvests manually, and after careful pressing, there follows slow temperature controlled alcoholic fermentation at around 20° C. The wine remans on the lees till mid-June and is bottled at the end of July.

The grapes are late-harvested, which shows in the yellow tinge to the wine; on the nose are aromas principally of zesty citrus, with some wisteria. On the palate it is dry, with flavours of rhubarb and citrus, with good acid structure and an agreeable hint of salinity. The finish is long and dry, with a zesty freshness, and aromas of nuts emerging. Good with fish and milder blue cheeses; fantastic with fruits de mer and other seafood. Keeps 5 years; serve at 10 ° C; acidity 4.3 gr/l; ABV 12.8%. Very limited availability.

Click on MORE to see a picture of the utterly amazing Illiarisses vineyard where the grapes for this wine are grown.

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Price: £30.60 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Petite Arvine 2008 Simon Maye & Fils St. Pierre de Clages, Chamoson

Petite Arvine 2009 Simon Maye & Fils St. Pierre de Clages, Chamoson
Ref: 4110136

***

A top-class Petite Arvine, possibly the best vintage of this wine that I have yet tasted, made in tiny quantities (just 5000 bottles a year) by one of Switzerland's best producers, and a highlight of our range.

The grapes for this wine are grown in a small parcel of vines in a location called "Illiarisses", near to Ardon, on arid terraces where Petite Arvine can express its characteristics perfectly. Typical for the region, soils here are principally well-drained limestone. Maye harvests manually, and after careful pressing, there follows slow temperature controlled alcoholic fermentation at around 20° C. The wine remans on the lees till mid-June and is bottled at the end of July.

The grapes are late-harvested, at 107° Oe, which shows in the yellow tinge to the wine; on the nose are aromas principally of zesty citrus, with some wisteria. On the palate it is dry, with flavours of rhubarb and citrus, with good acid structure and an agreeable hint of salinity. The finish is long and dry, with a zesty freshness, and aromas of nuts emerging. Good with fish and milder blue cheeses; fantastic with fruits de mer and other seafood. Keeps 5+ years; serve at 10° C; acidity 4.3 gr/l; ABV 13%. Better availability than the 2008 but still quite limited.

Click on MORE to see a picture of the utterly amazing Illiarisses vineyard where the grapes for this wine are grown.

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Price: £31.80 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Petite Arvine 2009 Simon Maye & Fils St. Pierre de Clages, Chamoson

Chardonnay Vieilles Vignes 2008 Simon Maye & Fils St. Pierre de Clages, Chamoson
Ref: 4110133

**(*)

A very fine Chardonnay made from grapes from vines aged over 45 years, grown around Chamoson on alluviual soils of sand and gravel, with some clay and silt. The grapes were harvested manually at 92° Oe, at a low yield of 40hl/hectare. They were gently pressed, and fermented slowly at a controlled 20°C, matured on the lees in barrel with regular batonnage, and bottled after 2 years. Ample and complex with flavours of pineapple and nuts, this is a truly exceptional wine which goes well with terrines, fish dishes, and soft cheeses. Drink - now to 2016. Serving temperature - 12°C. Acidity 5.3 g/litre. ABV 12.5%.

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Price: £34.80 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Chardonnay Vieilles Vignes 2008 Simon Maye & Fils St. Pierre de Clages, Chamoson

Dôle Blanche 2006 Simon Maye & Fils St. Pierre de Clages, Chamoson
Ref: 4110077

Made with the saignéé method from a blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay; maceration time 8 hours. Slow alcoholic fermentation at 20° C. A lovely rose pink with notes of fresh red berry fruits. Superb as an apéritif, and a good match for white meats and Asian dishes. Serve chilled, 8-10° C.

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Price: £15.00 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Oeil de Perdrix 2009 Simon Maye & Fils St. Pierre de Clages, Chamoson
Ref: 4110137

Oeil de Perdrix is technically a rosé wine made from Pinot Noir, although better examples, such as this one, have more the appearance and character of a light red wine. The grapes for this wine are grown on alluvial soils around Chamoson - these tend to be mainly sand and gravel based, but silt and clay soils are also found. The grapes were manually harvested at 95 ° Oe, and vinification uses the "saignée" method with 8 hours of maceration followed by slow fermentation at a temperature of 20°C. The wine is then stored in tanks till bottling in July following the harvest. A beautiful deep pink color, fruity and elegant end an excellent expression of the noble Pinot Noir. Makes a good apéritif but also a good match for white meats and Asian dishes. Drink - now to 2014. Serving temperature 16-18°C -0 rfather higher than a typical rosé. Yield 65 hl / hectare. Acidity 4.7 g / litre. ABV 12% vol.

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Price: £21.60 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Dôle de Chamoson 2009 Simon Maye & Fils St. Pierre de Clages, Chamoson
Ref: 4110138

This Dôle is made from Pinot Noir amd Gamay grown on alluvial soils composed of sand, gravel, and clay and with a high silt content, close to Chamoson. Harvesting is manual, and these grapes were picked with 92° Oechsle.

The grapes were de-stemmed prior to vinification; maceration and alcoholic fermentation took place over a 21 day period, with twice daily pigeage (punching down of the cap). The wine is then allowed to mature in concrete tanks until bottling in the July following the harvest.

A dark pastel red with a nose of red berry fruit and a hint of dusty spice; the palate is dominated by fresh Gamay fruit, and there is good body and structure brought by the Pinot Noir. A savoury, slightly earthy character, with excellent length and a long dry finish. Serve around 16-18° C with pâtes, red and white meats, or just on its own. Keeps 3-5 years from bottling. ABV 13%.

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Price: £19.80 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Humagne Rouge 2009 Simon Maye & Fils St. Pierre de Clages, Chamoson
Ref: 4110139

A top-notch Humagne Rouge from Maye. Grapes are grown in a vineyard called "Tzouma" or "Zoumaz" at the foot of the massif du Haut de Cry; this is a dry arid site with limestone soils and a hot microclimate, influenced by heat retained in the rockface above the site. Yield 60 hl/hectare; the grapes were very mature when late harvested, with 95 ° Oe. Full destemming, with a 21 day maceration/fermentation, with twice daily pigeage, followed by tank aging until a July bottling. A deep red with peppery wild aromas, full-bodied with dark red fruit flavours, again pepper, and minerals, all evident on the long finish. Good companion for Lamb pasta, and cheese dishes. Keeps to 5 years, approachable after a year, but better with a little more bottle age. Serve 16 to 18 ° C. 12% ABV. Click on MORE to see a photo of the vineyard site.

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Price: £25.50 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Pinot Noir 2007 Simon Maye & Fils St. Pierre de Clages, Chamoson
Ref: 4110101

The grapes for this wine are grown on alluvial sand & clay soils near Chamoson. They are harvested manually, then following destemming the wine undergoes maceration & fermentation for 21 days with pigeage twice daily. The wine is matured in concrete tanks until bottling the July following the harvest. A deep pastel red with a nose dominated by aromas of red fruits, this wine is full-bodied and velvety, with good structure and silky tannins. Good length. Goes well with white meats, cheeses, and even some stronger fish dishes. Keeps 5+ years, serve at 16-18 ° C.

To see the vines for this wine in the vineyard, click on MORE.

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Price: £24.00 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Syrah 2009 Simon Maye & Fils St. Pierre de Clages, Chamoson
Ref: 4110140

TN in preparation.

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Price: £26.40 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Syrah Vielles Vignes 2006 Simon Maye & Fils St. Pierre de Clages, Chamoson
Ref: 4110132

Tiny allocation.

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Price: £45.60 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Gregor Kuonen, Salgesch (Salquenen)

A top producer based in Salgesch (Salquenen to give it it's French name) which is right on the French-German language divide. Kuonen makes some stunning wines; altogether their range runs to over 50 wines, including traditional Valaisan specialities such as Lafnetscha, Hermitage, Heida, Petite Arvine, Cornalin, and Diolinoir, and in addition to these makes some truly exceptional wines from Pinot Noir, which thrives here - Salgesch is reputed to be the best place in Switzerland for this variety. Kuonen's "Grandmaître" wines are some of the best in Switzerland.

Lafnetscha "Grandmaître" 2005 (75cl) Gregor Kuonen & Fils Caveau de Salquenen Salquenen (Salgesch)
Ref: 4110058

The Lafnetscha grape is grown exclusively in the Haut Valais. It is believed to be closely related to another indigenous Swiss white grape, the Completer or Blanchier, grown in the Bündner Herrschaft village of Malans in eastern Switzerland. In Valais, only about 1.29 hectares of Lafnetscha is cultivated, and Kuonen have 1 ha of this (80% of world production) in a small vineyard near the town of Brig. The name Lafnetscha comes from "Laff-nit-scha", a local dialect phrase suggesting this wine should not be drunk too young.

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Price: £25.20 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Humagne Rouge du Valais "Grandmaître" Barrique 2007 Gregor Kuonen & Fils Caveau de Salquenen Salquenen (Salgesch)
Ref: 4110110

**(*)

This wine is made from grapes grown on better-exposed slopes. and with restricted yield. It is a medium ruby red, with a nose which is fruity, but also packed with with vanilla and spice. On the palate it is dry, but with masses of fruit, some spice, and a good body not unlike the heaviest Beaujolais Cru. Long, warming finish. Fantastic stuff, great with game or strongly flavoured red meat dishes.

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Price: £34.80 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Pinot Noir du Valais "Grand Maître" Barrique 2007 Gregor Kuonen & Fils Caveau de Salquenen Salquenen (Salgesch)
Ref: 4110108

***

This is a superb Pinot Noir, oak-aged for 10 months, and made from vines aged on average 35 years, where the yield is limited to 600-700 g/sq metre. Just 15,000 bottles are made in a typical year. It has a deep ruby red colour, with a classic powerful Pinot Noir nose which is spicy, gamey, and which has earthy truffley notes, with hints of cloves, herbs and damp undergrowth. On the palate it is rich and extremely full-bodied, powerful and yet at the same time exceptionally soft and smooth, with spice and cooked red fruit. The oak is in evidence but is not overdone; there is tremendous length, with the oak coming through on the finish, which is gamey and spicy. Let it breathe for at least an hour. (It tasted better the day after opening, and even better again the 3rd day).

This is the best Swiss Pinot Noir, possibly even the best Swiss red, that I have ever tasted; it is a powerful immense wine of great stature, which manages to pull off pefectly the elusive combination of power and finesse. Keeps 6-10 years.

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Price: £31.20 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Syrah du Valais "Grandmaître" Barrique 2005 Gregor Kuonen & Fils Caveau de Salquenen Salquenen (Salgesch)
Ref: 4110054

This is an excellent example of an oak-aged Valaisan Syrah. The colour is the lovely deep purple so often seen with Syrah here, with a nose which is principally spicy, yet with notes of rubbed blackberry leaf. On the palate it is dry, earthy, spicy, and very full-bodied, with masses of crunchy bramble and black fruit. Huge length, dry, with vanilla and oak to the fore, spicy. A big wine; allow to breathe for an hour and drink with food.

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Price: £32.40 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Syrah du Valais "Grandmaître" Barrique 2007 Gregor Kuonen & Fils Caveau de Salquenen Salquenen (Salgesch)
Ref: 4110105

Terre Vivante - Assemblage Rouge 2007 Gregor Kuonen & Fils Caveau de Salquenen Salquenen (Salgesch)
Ref: 4110104

**(*)

This is a huge wine; a blend of 20% Pinot Noir, 20% Cornalin, 20% Syrah, 30% Diolinoir, and 10% Humagne Rouge. Each is vinified separately in stainless steel, then the assemblage is made, & the result aged in French oak. The colour is a deep cherry red, with a nose of jammy cooked fruits, vanilla, spice, and pencilbox/cedarwood. The plate is somewhat more intense than the nose suggests; powerful and gamey, with masses of fruit - cooked red fruit, prunes, and crunchy bramble/black fruits. Long dry finish, spicy and gamey, with vanilla and oak coming through at the end. A superb wine best drunk with food; serve at 14°-16° C with pheasant, steak, wild boar, or even very mildly spiced Thai or Malaysian foods.

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Price: £34.80 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Terre Vivante - Assemblage Rouge 2007 Gregor Kuonen & Fils Caveau de Salquenen Salquenen (Salgesch)

Merlot "Grandmaître" Barrique 2007 Gregor Kuonen & Fils Caveau de Salquenen Salquenen (Salgesch)
Ref: 4110106

**(*)

The Merlot grape is widely grown in Bordeaux, north-east Italy, and in Ticino in Switzerland. It also does very well here in the Valais, and in particular in district known as "Les Bernunes" near Sierre, where it ripens relatively early. Vinified in oak barrels, it has a dark red color, with soft fruity aromas. On the palate this is a big wine - very full bodied, with powerful plum flavours. Huge length. Quite an unusual wine for Switzerland, but excellent. ABV 13.3%. Drink at 16-18 ° C with red meat, venison, guinea dowl, and strong cheeses. Keeps to 10 years.

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Price: £31.20 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Cabernet Franc "Grandmaître" Barrique 2007 Gregor Kuonen & Fils Caveau de Salquenen Salquenen (Salgesch)
Ref: 4110107

**(*)

The traditional red grape Cabernet Franc is a native of France, and is found most commonly in Bordeaux and the Loire. It gives wines with great depth of colour, and has ample tannins ensuring long ageing potential. This is another unusual wine for Valais, but is a fascinating example of what can be achieved here.

A deep red, with a soft nose of fruit and herbs, with a hint of spice. Gentle and soft on the palate, quite intense, with lots of body and good length. ABV 13.3% . Drink at 16-18 ° C with red meats/venison. Keeps 10- years.

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Price: £31.20 (Including VAT at 20%)

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The Wines of Josef-Marie Chanton, Visp

We are delighted to be able to offer this new and fascinating range of high-altitude (over 1100m above sea level) wines from Josef-Marie Chanton, based in Visp in the Haut Valais. Chanton is the 3rd generation of this family to run this estate. He has almost single-handedly revived almost extinct varietals such as Himbertscha, Lafnetscha, Eyholzer Roter, and Gwäss (a synonum for Gouais Blanc) on a commercial level. Today he courageously produces a range of extremely pure wines based nearly exclusively on such obscure local varietals, plus a few more such as Resi, and of course our old Valaisan friend, the amazing Heida, in several versions. These are rare wines of historic significance, and Chanton plays a significant role in preserving them for future generations, so rare are some of them today. This is possibly the most fascinating range of wines in my entire list.

Gwäss Vispertal 2006 Kellerei Chanton Visp
Ref: 4110079

Gwäss is indeed a rare grape; in 1994, a mere 1.35 hectares were cultivated commercially in the Valais. Gwäss is a synonym for Gouais Blanc, a white grape variety that is believed to have originated in Croatia, and which is important as the ancestor of many modern French and German wine varieties. This may have been the grape given to the Gauls by Probus (Roman Emperor 276-282), who overturned Domitian's decree banning grape growing north of the Alps. By the Middle Ages it was the most widely grown white grape in northeast France and in Central Europe. Gouais blanc was the grape of the peasantry - indeed the name Gouais derives from the old French ‘gou’, a term of derision befitting its traditional status as the grape of the peasants, normally growng on flat land next to the better slopes where the nobility grew Pinot. Having been widely grown in proximity to Pinot, the two varieties had many opportunities to cross, and Gwäss is believed to be parent to many other varieties, the better known of which are modern day Chardonnay, Aligoté, Auxerrois, Gamay, Colombard, and Riesling. The name Gwäss was first recorded in 1823. It's a vigorous high-yielding variety, and traditionally produced wines with high acidity.

Chanton's Gwäss is highly aromatic, with green forest-like aromas, and is dry and well structured, with good concentration of grapey fruit and some green apple flavours. Chanton's clean winemaking has tamed the acidity, producing a very refreshing wine. It would go well served chilled with lightly spiced Asian food, pasta dishes, or seafood such as mussels and oysters.

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Price: £23.10 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Resi Vispertal 2006 Kellerei Chanton Visp
Ref: 4110080

The Rèze, or Resi, grape is, alongside the Heida and Humagne Blanche, one of the oldest white grape varieties still grown in the Valais. Once, Rèze was grown widely here, but in more rcent times has suffered serious decline, with less than a hectare remaining in commercial production, around Sierre, and in the alpine vineyards of Visperterminen. Various factors have conspired to cause this; it's hard to grow, has limited yield, and lesser examples can be thin, acidic, and uninspiring. Much of the production from around Sierre is used to make a base wine for the sherry-like Vin des Glaciers, a highly sought-after rarity. Better quality is available in Visperterminen.

Chanton has re-establshed this variety in a vineyard above Visp, planted in 1990. A pale lemon yellow, the wine has a rich citrus bouquet of citrus and herbs, on the palate smooth, with spice, resin, and bitter almonds, with good acidity. Good length. Resi is the ideal partner to fondue or dried meat and cheese, or raclette and fondue dishes.

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Price: £23.10 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Himbertscha Varen 2006 Kellerei Chanton Visp
Ref: 4110081

Nobody really knows much of the origins of the white Himbertscha grape; just 0.17 hectares remain in the Valais today, all cultivated by Chanton, at Varen, a few Km west of Visp. DNA studies at the University of California have shown that Himbertscha is not related to Gouais Blanc as was previously thought, but may be a relative of Humagne Blanc. As Humagne Blanc is an older cultivar, the researchers concluded that there was strong evidence that Humagne Blanc is in fact a parent of Himbertscha and another unknown species. The traditional method of growing Himbertscha is to train it on a trellis/pergola; the name Himbertscha apparently means ‘trellis grown’ in the upper Valais dialect, and refers to the traditional method of cultivating the grape. Lafnetscha wines have above average acidity, which is tempered with a bit of aging. The variety was nearly extinct until its cultivation was revived in 1984 by Chanton.

Chanton's wine is a straw-yellow, with aromas of strawberry, hazlenuts, and mango, it is fresh and fruity on the palate, with bright zippy acidity. Try it with fish with lemon, trout, mountain cheese, Raclette, Fondue, Vacherin glacée.

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Price: £23.10 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Lafnetscha Vispertal 2006 Kellerei Chanton Visp
Ref: 4110082

The Lafnetscha grape is grown exclusively in the Haut Valais. It is believed to be closely related to another indigenous Swiss white grape, the Completer or Blanchier, grown in the Bündner Herrschaft village of Malans in eastern Switzerland. In Valais, only about 1.29 hectares of Lafnetscha is cultivated. The name Lafnetscha comes from "Laff-nit-scha", a local dialect phrase suggesting this wine should not be drunk too young. Lafnetscha wines do indeed have some aging potential if correctly made.

Chanton's Lafnetscha has a light but complex nose of pine forest, linden blossom, bergamot and ripe bananas. On the palate it is quite full-bodied, dry, with good concentration of fruit, and a fresh lively acidity. It is a very refreshing wine which would go well with sauerkraut, pot-au-feu, hors d'oeuvres, shrimp, shellfish, cheese and onion cakes, Raclette, and Fondue.

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Price: £23.10 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Heida Gletscherwein 2008 Kellerei Chanton Visp
Ref: 4110146

**(*)

The name for Chanton's Heida "Gletscherwein" - or Glacier wine - stems from the fact that the grapes used for this wine come from various high terraced sites in the "Valley of the Virgin" - which leads from Visp, through Visperterminen, and then on towards Zermatt and the Matterhorn, and grow in sight of the several glaciers in the region. Chanton's first plantings of Heida were made in 1964, and now the average age is some 35 years.

A pale yellow, the nose has spicy, minerals, and exotic scents of ripe fruit and acacia honey. On the palate it is rich and expressive, with hints of quince, peach and mirabelle, just a hint of residual sweetness, some peppery spice, and a subtle acidity. Not just a museum piece, this is up there with the very best Valaisan whites you will find.

Served chilled, around 6-8 deg C, this wine is a fine companion for asparagus, exotic spiced vegetables or cheese plates, beef, terrines, mushrooms, or fish dishes such as salmon or lobster.

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Price: £30.00 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Heida Gletscherwein 2008 Kellerei Chanton Visp MAGNUMS
Ref: 4110147

**(*)

Petite Arvine 2008 Kellerei Chanton Visp
Ref: 4110145

**(*)

Petite Arvine, probably originally brought to the Valais by the Romans, is one of the varieties that makes the Valais so interesting, and this is one od the most interesting examples I have come across. Another of Chanton's high altitude wines, made from grapes grown around Varen and Visp, this wine is a delight, with flavours of nettles, grapefruit, and dried apricots, with a pleasing salinity and good acidity, it is the perfect match for all sorts of fish, but especially salmon, and goat and sheeps cheeses.

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Price: £29.70 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Petite Arvine 2008 Kellerei Chanton Visp

Gewürztraminer 2009 Kellerei Chanton Visp
Ref: 4110148

**(*)

TN in preparation.

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Price: £28.80 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Gewürztraminer 2009 Kellerei Chanton Visp

Riesling 2009 Kellerei Chanton Visp
Ref: 4110149

**(*)

TN in preparation.

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Price: £28.80 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Ermitage 2009 Kellerei Chanton Visp
Ref: 4110150

**(*)

TN in preparation.

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Price: £30.00 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Eyholzer Roter 2006 Kellerei Chanton Visp
Ref: 4110084

The Eyholzer Roter grape, also known as Hibou, is grown around Visp and in the village of Eyholz, just to the west of Visp. This ancient variety has also been grown in Savoie in France, and and in northern Italy. The traditional method of growing the grape in Valais is to train it on pergolas. This wine is a medium red, with a nose of mountain violets and respberries. Soft and fruity on the palate, it is best served slightly chilled, as one would a young Beaujolais, with hams, quiches, cold meats, cheeses (Schabziger if you can get it).

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Price: £23.40 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Humagne Rouge 2006 Kellerei Chanton Visp
Ref: 4110085

This Chanton wine is from grapes grown around Visp and Varen. It has a dark granite red colour, with cassis and pepper on the nose. On the palate is lush fruit, with hubarb and cassis flavours, a creamy texture, and a faintly bitter gentian note on the long peppery finish. A lovely wine and an ideal companion for duck, pigeon, roast beef, roast lamb.

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Price: £26.10 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Pinot Noir Varen 2006 Kellerei Chanton Visp
Ref: 4110086

Chanton's Pinot Noir is from Varen, a few Km to the west of Visp, just north of the Rhone, at an altitude of 750 metres. Pinot Noir is the commonest red grape grown in the Valais today. Good with Tournedos, Entrecôte, Valais dried meat, Polenta with ragout.

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Price: £23.40 (Including VAT at 20%)

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Pinot Noir Mario Barrique 2005 Kellerei Chanton Visp
Ref: 4110087

TN in preparation.

In stock - normally despatched within one working day.

Price: £33.60 (Including VAT at 20%)

Quantity:

Beerenauslese 2005 37.5cl Heida Mario Chanton Kellerei Chanton Visp
Ref: 4110088

TN in preparation.

In stock - normally despatched within one working day.

Price: £51.60 (Including VAT at 20%)

Quantity:

Eiswein "Crystal" Eyholzer Roter Barrique 2007 37.5cl Mario Chanton Kellerei Chanton Visp
Ref: 4110153

You might think that Switzerland would produce quite a lot of Eiswein, given the climate and geography, but in fact nothing could be further from the truth. In reality, Swiss Eiswein is very rare - it may only be produced in certain special locations, and the climate allows it to be made on average about every 5 years. It is made in only tiny quantities, and these rare specialtities often go direct to the best regular customers such as top Restaurants. It is very difficult to find it on sale in a retail outlet, even in Switzerland.

This example from the Chanton stable is made from Eyholzer Roter (or Hibou) grapes grown in Vispertal, amongst Europe's highest altitude vineyards. The grapes, with 175° Oechsle degrees, were harvested in the middle of the night at minus 12 degrees Celsius and immediately pressed frozen in a pre-chilled press. Small amounts of highly concentrated concentrate juice, consisting only of sugar, acid, and fruit from the frozen berries is the result. This nectar, with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, is fermented to make the Eiswein which then spends a year in small barriques before bottling. The result is a very special wine indeed. Bouquet of mushrooms and forest floor, on the palate hugely concentrated, unctuous, with sumptuous fruit and beautiful harmony of sugar and acidity. One of the world's most unusual and rare wines. Gastronomic combination: mature blue cheese, caviar, foie gras.

Note 37.5cl bottle size.

Limit 3 bottles per customer.

In stock - normally despatched within one working day.

Price: £56.40 (Including VAT at 20%)

Quantity: