taste them love them

TASTE THEM
LOVE THEM
The incredible diversity of Valais
A magnificent region that follows the Rhone from its source to the shores of Lake
Geneva, Valais is one of the most beautiful valleys of the Alps, ideally situated in
the heart of them, bordering both Italy and France. Running from east to west,
it rises in terraces from an altitude of 400 to more than 4,000m, offering an
amazing diversity of landscapes, soils, aspects and climates, all on the same land.
Valais, the land of vineyards and wine
With 5,000 hectares of vineyards, Valais is Switzerland’s main wine-producing canton. It has many assets: imposing landscapes that enjoy an exceptional
amount of sunshine, vines planted on the hillsides that climb towards the sky, numerous grape varieties producing many great wines, each more interesting than
the last, and customs and traditions that give it character and a strong identity.
Recognised worldwide for the excellence of its syrupy wines, the elegance
(brightness, vividness, refinement) of its Petite Arvine, the nobleness of its
Fendant and the character of its Cornalin, Valais also harbours many other
delightful and exciting treasures.
The Valais grape varieties
In Valais, a vast number of grape varieties enjoy ideal conditions enabling them to
flourish due to the tremendous range of soils, aspects and climates, otherwise
known as terroirs. Numerous grape varieties are grown here at an altitude that
generally varies between 450 and 800 metres. Although four grape varieties chasselas, pinot noir, gamay and sylvaner – occupy a large part of the regional
wine-growing area, AOC quality label specialities also abound here, being produced in ever greater quantities. Petite Arvine, Johannisberg, Païen/Heida,
Cornalin, Humagne Rouge, Syrah, Amigne, and Ermitage all have strong character, panache, depth and class... And although the traditional grape varieties such
as Chardonnay, Marsanne, Pinot Gris, Savagnin Blanc, Sylvaner, Merlot, Cabernet
and Syrah are grown in the many wine-producing regions around the world, in
Valais they acquire their own individual and appealing identity.
The main
white grape varieties
Amigne
Arvine ( Petite Arvine )
Chardonnay
Chasselas ( Fendant )
Humagne Blanche
Marsanne ( Ermitage )
Muscat
Pinot Blanc
Pinot Gris ( Malvoisie )
Rèze
Sylvaner ( Johannisberg )
Savagnin Blanc ( Heida-Païen )
The main
red grape varieties
Cabernet Sauvigon
Cornalin
Diolinoir
Gamaret
Gamay
Humagne Rouge
Merlot
Pinot Noir
Syrah
Our wine growers
The vines show the proof of the
passion, have the signature of the
watchful eye and the stamp of the
know-how of our wine-growers.
There is not just common ground
between them and nature but an
entire world that unites them. Our
wine-growers convey the values
of sincerity, integrity and respect.
They create enchanting wines,
breathing into them a living soul.
The vineyard trail
A 66-kilometre route that is unveiled
in the early hours when the first rays
awake the dry stone walls that sit majestically enthroned in the heart of the
vineyard. From Martigny to Loèche,
this is an excellent way to discover
Valais and its vines. You can fly from
one vineyard to the next like a feather
in the wind. Each piece of scenery is
worthy of an unforgettable masterpiece. The vineyard trail is:
• three parallel routes between
Martigny and Loèche, to be covered
by your favourite mode of transport,
on foot, by bicycle or by car.
• easy walks in the countryside, at
an altitude of between 450 and
800 metres.
• optimum sunshine due to an advantageous location on the right bank.
• by appointment, the chance to
taste and buy wine from the welcoming producers.
www.cheminduvignoble.ch
© François Perraudin
MADE IN VALAIS local produce
The sun here gives us wine, colours the cheeks of the apricots and makes
the language of the people of Valais sing out. Valais has many flavours of a
rare authenticity: Valais fruits (apricots, apples, pears), mountain pasture
cheeses, dried meat, the well-known Valais rye bread, intense and fruity
brandies. Some real delicacies of aroma and taste. A raclette, a plate of
Valais specialities and a wine tasted in keen anticipation of the next. The
perfect way to discover the charm and individuality of Valais.
Interprofession de la Vigne et du Vin du Valais
Av. de la Gare 2 - PO Box 144 - CH-1964 Conthey
T +41 27 345 40 80 - F +41 27 345 40 81
[email protected] - www.lesvinsduvalais.ch
photos
Céline Ribordy
text
Steve Bettschen et GPM
design
WORLD
EUROPE
CHAMOSON
SWITZERLAND
VALAIS
FULLY
VISPERTERMINEN
Venthône
Veyras
Vouvry
Montana
Grimisuat
Champlan
Choëx / Monthey
St-Maurice
Chamoson
Ardon
Sion
Leytron
Saillon
Fully
Martigny-Combe
Martigny-Croix
Martigny
Martigny-Bourg
Nendaz
Riddes
Saxon
Charrat
St-German
Ollon
Flanthey
Grône Chalais
St-Léonard
St-Pierre-de-Clages
Naters
Varen
Susten/Leuk
Ayent
Savièse
Pont-de-la-Morge
Conthey
Vétroz
Monthey
Miège
Salgesch
Bramois
Sierre
Chippis
Corin-de-la-Crête
Noës
Turtmann
Visp
Le
Rh
ône Brig
Visperterminen
Contact details
Wine tourism addresses
(places to taste wine and local produce, bed and breakfast)
with Interprofession de la Vigne et du Vin du Valais (IVV)
+41 (0)27 345 40 80 - [email protected]
www.lesvinsduvalais.ch
Vineyard and wine museum
Musée valaisan de la Vigne et du Vin
Rue Ste Catherine 6, CH-3960 Sierre
+41 (0)27 456 35 25 - [email protected]
Museumplatz, CH-3970 Salgesch
+41 (0)27 456 45 25
www.museevalaisanduvin.ch
Valais-Wallis Promotion
Rue Pré-Fleuri 6, PO box 1469, CH-1951 Sion
+41 (0)27 327 35 90 - [email protected]
www.valais.ch - facebook.com/valaiswallis
VALRANDO - Valais hiking association
Rue Pré-Fleuri 6, PO box 23, CH-1951 Sion
+41 (0)27 327 35 80 - [email protected]
www.valrando.ch
Espace des terroirs
Ruelle de la Calattra 1, CH-3972 Miège
+41 (0)27 456 17 33 - [email protected]
www.miege.ch
La Fromathèque
Route du Gd-St-Bernard 28, CH-1921 Martigny-Croix
[email protected] - www.lafromatheque.ch