The colour is deep ruby. On the nose prunes, blueberries, black cherries and spices, such as anise and pepper. In the mouth smooth, elegant and tasty. The aftertaste is very long.
This top of the range Valais red wine is made by Bonvin with Cornalin, Syrah, Humagne Rouge grapes. All three grapes are peculiar to Valais.
The vineyards of Valais account for a third of the total wine-production in Switzerland. They are located along the river Rhône, mainly between Salquenen and Martigny.
Valais has a favourable, sunny and dry climate, as well as a diversity of soils that allows a wide range of grape varieties to thrive. Some are indigenous, such as Cornalin and Humagne Rouge, others international varieties, such as Syrah and Pinot Noir, which is the principal variety in the famous Dôle blend. The range of white wines goes from Fendant and Petit Arvine to rarities, such as Rèze and Lafnetscha.
The wide variety of soils is due to the combination of geological upheavals, receding glaciers and alluvial deposits of the Rhône and the Alps torrents.
The canton of Valais is very interesting for wine-lovers, who wish to have a diverse experiences and to make new discoveries.
I received this bottle as a present from a dear friend from Valais. At Les Celliers de Sion this wine sells for 57 CHF.
Country: Switzerland
Region: Valais
Grapes: Cornalin, Syrah, Humagne Rouge
Type: Red
Vintage: 2016
Producer: Bonvin
Price range: Extra (50-100 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 4/5