TASTE THEM LOVE THEM

Transcription

1 TASTE THEM LOVE THEM

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4 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.

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6 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.

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8 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.

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11 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 )

12 The main red grape varieties Cabernet Sauvigon Cornalin Diolinoir Gamaret Gamay Humagne Rouge Merlot Pinot Noir Syrah

13 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.

14 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.

15 François Perraudin

16 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.

17 Interprofession de la Vigne et du Vin du Valais Av. de la Gare 2 - PO Box CH-1964 Conthey T F info@lesvinsduvalais.ch - photos Céline Ribordy text Steve Bettschen et GPM design

18 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

19 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) info@lesvinsduvalais.ch Vineyard and wine museum Musée valaisan de la Vigne et du Vin Rue Ste Catherine 6, CH-3960 Sierre +41 (0) museeduvin@netplus.ch Museumplatz, CH-3970 Salgesch +41 (0) Valais-Wallis Promotion Rue Pré-Fleuri 6, PO box 1469, CH-1951 Sion +41 (0) info@valais.ch - facebook.com/valaiswallis VALRANDO - Valais hiking association Rue Pré-Fleuri 6, PO box 23, CH-1951 Sion +41 (0) info@valrando.ch Espace des terroirs Ruelle de la Calattra 1, CH-3972 Miège +41 (0) administration@miege.ch La Fromathèque Route du Gd-St-Bernard 28, CH-1921 Martigny-Croix info@lafromatheque.ch -