Rèze

Originating from Valais (Switzerland), Rèze is one of the oldest varieties of the Alpine region. With records dating back to Valais in 1313, its name comes from the Regis family, very common in Valais in the Middle Ages, rather than the hypothetical Raetica of the authors of the Roman period. Through DNA testing, we have discovered a few sparse stocks of it in Maurienne (Savoie, F) and in French Jura, and several of its offsprings have been identified in Valais, Piedmont (I) and Trentino (I). Once a dominant variety in Valais, today there are only a few vines remaining of this unproductive variety which is prone to mould, producing floral wines with a distinct acidity. Rèze is the main variety for making the traditional Vin du Glacier in Val d'Anniviers.