WTN: Swiss Miss

[Jenise]

2019 Alpine Roots Petite Arvine Valais, Switzerland
My first-ever Petite Arvine (a grape grown only in this one region in Switzerland (where evidence of its use has been recorded as early as 1602) and the Valle d'Aosta in Italy). Rich golden color, heady slate-y nose worthy of Grand Cru Chablis, dry palate fruit of chalky pippin apples and corn on the cob, long enchanting finish. Absolutely wonderful in every respect; would buy more if I could find it.

IMO the Swiss canton of Valais makes world class wines from two of its indigenous grapes, Cornalin (red) and Petite-Arvine (white). Their indigenous grapes Humagne (red) and Amigne (white) also give pretty good results. On top of this they produce very good wines from Syrah, Pinot Noir, Gamay, Savagnin (AKA Traminer, Heida or Paien) and other international grapes. Because of the steep slopes along that part of the Rhône valley, production is quite small and is eagerly consumed by the Swiss themselves at quite high prices.

Elsewhere in Switzerland, the canton of Vaud sublimates Chasselas on the beautiful vineyard slopes overlooking the lake of Geneva (AKA Lac Léman) and the German speaking cantons have isolated vineyards apparently doing wonders with Pinot Noir in very small quantities. Alas I have never had one of last which justifies the hype but one has to have good contacts and put down serious amounts of SFR to get some.

[Jenise]

Tim, last night we followed up Friday's Petite Arvine with a Humagne Rouge from the same producer/importer. I use 'producer/importer' because I'm not sure if it's the same producer for every bottling. The importer is someone in Seattle I haven't been able to track down, a potentially Covid-related mystery. But anyway, following up on your information here's another VERY classy Swiss wine:

2019 Alpine Roots Humagne Rouge Valais
Humagne Rouge is an indigenous alpine grape. Light, bright and spicy with tomato, pomegranate and rose petals. It reminded us most closely of Counoise and the Armenian grape Areni. Delicious with beef braised in a tomato-onion sauce.

From the same importer, and all from the Valais, we've also been wowed with a Heida as well as a Pinot Noir. Btw, as regards price, the Humagne Rouge was $22 and the others all about $35--bargains, every one of them. Would sure love to get my hands on a Swiss syrah.

There is a trap for unwary. Humagne rouge from Valais is called Cornalin in Valle d'Aosta. AFAIK the grape called Cornalin in Valais is not grown anywhere else. Humagne is a cross between Valaisan Cornalin and another unknown variety. I think that Petite Arvine is the same on both sides of the Alps.