jamie goode's wine blog: Humagne Rouge and Blanche

Friday, September 18, 2009

Humagne Rouge and Blanche

Some more Swiss wines, from Provins Valais, selected by Swiss journalist Chandra Kurt. In Switzerland these retail for around ChF20.

They're from two grape varieties that share a name, but no genetic relationship. Humagne Blanche is an indigenous variety, while Humagne Rouge is thought to come from Italy’s Val d’Aosta. Both are from the Valais, which is Switzerland’s largest wine Canton (see www.lesvinsduvalais.ch/en/).

Provins Valais Humagne Blanche ‘Collection Chandra Kurt’ 2006 Valias, Switzerland
12.5% alcohol. This is a beautifully balanced rich white wine, with lovely bright floral minerally aromas as well as some rich grapey notes. The palate has lovely texture with some white peach and melon fruit backed up by spicy notes and a mineralic finish. Rich yet fresh, this reminds me of top Alsace Pinot Gris, but perhaps with more delicacy and balance. It’s rich and bold, yet it’s only 12.5% alcohol. Lovely. 90/100

Provins Valais Humagne Rouge ‘Collection Chandra Kurt’ 2006 Valias, Switzerland
13% alcohol. Quite deep cherry colour. There’s a hint of undergrowth to the ripe, cherry-fruited nose, which has an attractive sappy greenness. The palate has some earthy, spicy complexity, but the dominant theme is fresh dark cherries with a lovely elegance . It’s ripe and sweet, yet supple and balanced at the same time. It reminds me of an Austrian St Laurent in terms of personality. Quite Pinot Noir like, with elegant cherry and berry fruit. 89/100

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5 Comments:

At 5:50 PM, Blogger Vinogirl said...

Beautiful part of the world. have driven by these vineyards many times on the way to Zermatt and Saas-Fee.

 
At 7:12 PM, Anonymous Ms. Drinkwell said...

These wines sound fantastic! Saddens me that we see so few Swiss bottles on the market here in the U.S.

 
At 10:23 PM, Anonymous Alastair said...

I really like many Swiss wines, especially when drunk in their own country. There are some really unique grapes and flavours. The cost of agriculture on those steep alpine slopes, though, means that they are quite expensive for the quality and, therefore, not in great export demand.

 
At 3:45 AM, Anonymous Jeff Lopez said...

Humagne Rouge is a canton Valais wine specialty that originally hails from the Val d'Aosta & the Valais vineyard region is now the biggest in Switzerland.i wish they were easier to find in U.S.I love it with Cuban cigars from Cigars Online online. It blends in with a natural floral taste.

 
At 12:47 PM, Anonymous Simon Grant said...

Thanks for these Jamie - I picked up your blog on the Heida last month whilst I was in Switzerland and bought a selection of the Provins Maitre Cellier range, amongst others, to try. About to start a couple of months-worth of working my way through two dozen different Swiss wines...

 

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