Cépages
- Rouge
- Allogène (après 1900)
- < 2 Ha
Zinfandel
The origin of this variety has been much written about. It was introduced to California from Austria under the name Zinfandel in the early 19th century. In the 1970s, it was identified with Primitivo in Pouilles, where it was introduced from Croatia in the late 18th century. In 2011, its original name in Croatia was found: Tribidrag. DNA tests have also shown that it's a parent of Plavac Mali, the most widely grown red grape variety in Croatia.
In Switzerland, this early variety with high alcohol levels has only a minimal presence.
Associated names :
Primitivo
- Rouge
- < 2 Ha
Other red
- Blanc
- Indigène
- < 2 Ha
Divona
A crossing between Bronner (a German varietal) and Gamaret, the white Divona grape is the result of 20 years of patient and meticulous selection by Agroscope. The Divona has a very good wine potential and a resistance to gray rot thanks to Gamaret. The grape of the Bronner protects it strongly against the mildew and the powdery mildew (diseases caused by mushrooms).
Divona (codename IRAC 2060) was selected among thousands of applicants on the basis of both vine and wine criteria: disease resistance, adaptation to climate, production capacity and sugar content. This new grape shares the same parents as the red Divico who is already enjoying a promising development.
- Rouge
- Allogène (après 1900)
- < 2 Ha
Barbera
Barbera probably originates from somewhere between Lombardia and Emilia-Romagna (I). It wasn't until after the phylloxera crisis in the late 19th century that it became widespread in Piedmont, particularly in the Alba and Asti regions. A productive variety, producing wines that are rich in colour and alcohol, with minimal cultivation in Switzerland.
- Blanc
- Indigène
- < 2 Ha
Diolle
Diolle is an old variety of Valais (Switzerland), recorded for the first time in 1654 around Conthey. Until 2007, Diolle was thought to have disappeared, until two surviving vines were discovered in a wall at Savièse. DNA tests indicate that it is an offspring of Rèze. This revived variety was planted by Didier Joris and José Vouillamoz in 2015, so we will have to wait until 2018 for the first wine from this "new old" variety of Valais.
- Blanc
- Allogène (après 1900)
- < 2 Ha
Mondeuse Blanche
An old variety of Savoie (F), Mondeuse Blanche has long been wrongly thought to be a mutation of Mondeuse Noire, which is much more common. In fact, DNA tests have shown that the rare Mondeuse Blanche is the parent of Syrah through a cross with Dureza from Ardèche, and a parent or a progeny of Mondeuse Noire and Viognier.
In Switzerland, there are only a few plots of this discreet, late-ripening variety, producing wines of a neutral flavour with high alcohol levels.
Associated names :
Dongine
- Blanc
- Traditionnel (av. 1900)
- < 2 Ha
Gouais
Nicknamed the Casanova variety, Gouais Blanc is a very old variety from the north-east of France which through natural crossings has given rise to more than 80 new varieties throughout Europe, including Chardonnay, Gamay, Riesling, Furmint, and many more. Banned for a long time in France, where this founder variety has almost disappeared, it has however been continuously grown in Haut Valais (Switzerland) since 1540, under the name of Gwäss. Highly productive and resistant to winter frosts, Gouais Blanc is now cultivated exclusively in Haut Valais, where it produces highly acidic wines with a marked aroma of pears.
Associated names :
Gwäss
- Rouge
- Allogène (après 1900)
- < 2 Ha
Grenache
An old variety originating from the Aragon region (E) where it is known as Garnacha, which has several mutations (Garnacha Blanca, Garnacha Roja, Garnacha Peluda), Grenache then spread throughout France and Sardinia (Cannonau).
Ripening very late, Grenache is suited to warm, sunny climates, where it produces wine rich in alcohol, with the aroma of warm strawberries. It has a limited presence in Switzerland.
Associated names :
Cannonau
- Blanc
- Indigène
- < 2 Ha
Himbertscha
An extremely rare variety of Haut Valais (Switzerland), Himbertscha is a natural offspring of Humagne Blanc, and a half-sibling of Lafnetscha, another curio from Haut Valais. Its name does not come from Himbeer (raspberry) but from the dialect phrase "im Bercla" meaning "in the arbour". It was saved from extinction in the 1970s by Josef-Marie Chanton, who is still the only producer in the world, with a tiny vineyard. Its wine is elegant and highly acidic, with strange musky notes.
- Blanc
- Allogène (après 1900)
- < 2 Ha
Kernling
A spontaneous mutation of Kerner discovered by Ludwig Hochdörfer at Nussdorf in the Palatinate region, it is marked by lower productivity.