Ticino

Majestic mountains rise in the Valais, a small stream drips from the Rhône Glacier down into the valley, and from Brig, viticulture begins - nourished by mountain water and blazing sunshine. The Valais wine region is one of extremes; this is evident not only in the highest vineyard in Europe but also in the surprisingly large number of indigenous varieties.

Valais - the slightly different Rhône valley

For many people, viticulture in the Valais is an unknown quantity - not for the Valaisans themselves. For thousands of years, vines have thrived in the dry climate. And although the Valais is now the largest wine producer in Switzerland, the wines from often smallholdings are usually consumed locally. Thanks to the increasing demand for Dôle du Valais wines and especially Fendant wines, fine Swiss wines are slowly moving from the Valais to the rest of the world.

Viticulture in the Valais

The canton of Valais in the southwest of Switzerland, with its approximately 5,000 hectares of vineyard area, is the largest wine-growing region within the Swiss Confederation. The vineyards are predominantly situated at altitudes of 450 to 850 meters and are lined along the still young Rhône. On terraces and steep slopes with inclinations of up to 70%, about 60% red and 40% white grapes are cultivated. In addition to often autochthonous grape varieties such as Humagna rouge, Petite Arvine, or Cornalin, international varieties like Chardonnay, Gamay, and Pinot Noir also grow in the vineyards. The latter varieties are the key to Dôle du Valais, an AOC wine that comes exclusively from the Valais. 

The highest vineyard in Europe is also located in the canton and wine-growing region of Valais. The location of Vesperterminen between 650 and 1,150 meters above sea level is characterized by narrow terraces and retaining walls, inviting unique walks.

Soils & Climate

Alpine - this describes the landscape of the Valais well. The valley, where the wine grows and thrives, is surrounded by mountains over 4,000 meters high. Too high for rain clouds, which rarely penetrate the valley. Although a continental climate prevails, the days are very hot, and summer drought is not uncommon. For this reason, winemakers use a clever canal system to irrigate their vines with glacier water. The warm föhn wind blowing through the valley also influences the vines. 

Glacier faults form the basis for cultivation. Valley deposits in the Lower Valley expand the soil spectrum, allowing the large variety of grape varieties to produce numerous variations and individual products - not least due to the more than 600 producers, each with their own ideas for viticulture. For some of them, viticulture is merely a side job, so large wineries buy and vinify the grapes.

Dôle du Valais and Fendant du Valais

Dôle du Valais

Dôle is probably the best-known Swiss wine and a specialty that can only come from the Valais. The cuvée made from at least 85% Pinot Noir and Gamay, with Pinot Noir making up the larger part, bears the name of the French town Dole. As an AOC-certified wine, it is subject to strict regulations from cultivation to the final product. Besides 85% Pinot Noir and Gamay, the red wine cuvée consists of another 15% grape varieties like Syrah or the autochthonous grapes Humagne Rouge and Cornalin. Of course, only grapes from the Valais may be used and vinified for the Dôle du Valais.

The Dôle expresses powerful aromas of juicy red berries. A range of fine spices and floral notes lead the ripe aroma to the long finish, balancing the pleasure. 

Fendant du Valais

The grape variety Fendant is better known in the German-speaking world as Gutedel and in France as Chasselas. In the Valais, it is vinified dry and grown on a large scale as AOC Fendant du Valais. The young and varietal Valais white wine exudes clear aromas with fine nuances of the local terroir. With sweet fruit and balanced acidity, the Fendant presents a strong character for the Valais. And of course, Fendant pairs well with medium-strong cheeses.

The grape varieties of the Valais

In the vineyards from Brig to Martigny, about 60% red grapes and 40% white grapes are cultivated. The main variety is Pinot Noir, followed by Chasselas. 

Red grape varieties

• Pinot Noir
• Gamay
• Syrah
• Cornalin
• Humagne Rouge
• Merlot
• Gamaret
• Diolinoir

White grape varieties

• Chasselas
• Arvine
• Savagnin blanc
• Chardonnay
• Pinot Gris

Buy Valais wine online

Discover Valais wines in the VINELLO online shop and stroll through a very special wine region. Order wine from Valais and other national and international wine regions conveniently and affordably online. We ship your wine securely packaged to wherever you wish. With numerous payment options and sommelier advice, you will experience a relaxed wine shopping experience at VINELLO. Just a few clicks away. À votre santé!