Definition: Valais (vineyards of the canton of)

The largest wine-growing region in Switzerland (5,225 hectares), accounting for 40% of national production. The vineyards of Chamoson and Saint Pierre-de-Clages, covering 425 hectares, are the largest in the canton of Valais. However, the largest wine-growing commune in Switzerland is in Geneva, covering 470 hectares. In Chamoson, 90% of the vineyards are located on a gentle slope formed by an alluvial fan, and 10% on a steeper hillside formed by numerous terraces. The alluvial deposits of the Losentze River have given the various soils a calcareous and relatively acidic composition, resulting in a multitude of different terroirs, which partly explains the great variety of wines. The fragmentation of the plots is also one of the typical features of the Chamosard vineyard, as it is of the Valais in general. There are more than 1,200 vineyard owners in the municipality. It is not uncommon to find plots of 100 to 200 square metres, but also, more rarely, plots of several thousand square metres. The average size of the vineyards is around 800 square metres. Considered the California of Switzerland, this canton enjoys an exceptional climate for growing vines. Low rainfall and maximum sunshine, with mild temperatures until late autumn. The vineyards run along the Rhône Valley, on steep slopes ranging from 500 to 800 metres above sea level, and even 1,100 metres in Visperterminen (the highest vineyard in Europe). The soils are very varied, but generally contain little clay. Well aerated and light, they warm up quickly and retain little water. In Sion, schist and broken rock dominate, combined with mica: these are what give Fendant its characteristic temperament and flinty aromas. Although Fendant still accounts for almost half of production, producing a wine renowned for its freshness, lightness and slight sparkle, countless grape varieties, some of which are unique in the world, are now being brought back into favour, enabling Valais to win medals in the most prestigious international competitions. White varieties include Amigne, Arvine, Marsanne Blanche, Muscat, Païen, Malvoisie and Sylvaner, known locally as Johannisberg. In terms of reds, Valais undoubtedly produces the most renowned wines in Switzerland: Dôle, a blend of Pinot Noir (predominant) and Gamay, remains the great classic. Pinot can also be vinified on its own to produce great wines for ageing. Humagne Rouge and Cornalin, highly renowned indigenous grape varieties, produce extraordinary, full-bodied wines full of character that improve with age. Syrah, still rare, is developing rapidly thanks to the excellent results it produces, as is Diolinoir, which significantly improves blended wines. Valais rosés are delicious, fresh and fruity: there is Dôle Blanche, a blend of Pinot and Gamay vinified as a white wine, as well as Dôle Saignée and Œil-de-Perdrix, made exclusively from Pinot Noir. Sweet and syrupy wines are mainly made from Johannisberg, Amigne, Ermitage, Arvine and Pinot Gris. Valais offers one of the few microclimates in the world that allows noble rot to develop. The wines produced here in accordance with the "Grain Noble Confidentiel" charter are worthy of competing with the greatest sweet wines on the planet.