Humagne Rouge from Chamoson 2022 - 75cl

Derived from a centuries-old cross in the Aosta Valley between Cornalin and an unknown grape variety, Humagne Rouge crossed the Great Saint Bernard Pass to establish itself in Valais. Although its arrival is relatively recent (end of the 19th century), it quickly established itself as the second great red wine of Valais, after Cornalin.

Vigorous and late-maturing, Humagne Rouge produces vintages with a strong character. When the opportunity arose to work this plot of Humagne Rouge on the terroir of Prés des Pierres in Chamoson, it was a unique chance to highlight this grape variety. My ambition was to create a wine that combines indulgence and concentration, revealing all the richness and depth of Humagne Rouge in this exceptional terroir.

This wine was born in Switzerland. Here, no synthetic inputs, neither in the vineyard nor in the cellar. Instead, it is the herbal infusions, fermented extracts and compost tea that watch over the vine, like benevolent companions, gently accompanying it at each stage of the season in addition to copper and sulfur to limit the spread of mildew and powdery mildew. Thus, this wine breathes the land that saw it grow, free and sincere, in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

Altitude of the plot 540 meters
Harvested by hand on September 20, 2022
Indigenous yeasts
Aged for 12 months in oak barrels
Light filtration before bottling
979 bottles
Total SO2 less than 30 mg/L

Grape variety

100% Humagne Rouge.

Vinification

No SO2 at harvest, cold pre-fermentation maceration for 5 days, incorporation of a native yeast starter from 15°C, one trapping per day during fermentation, pressing after 15 days of maceration.

Added 10 mg/L of SO2 after malolactic fermentation, light filtration 1 week before bottling, adjusted to 25 mg/L of free SO2.

Bottled on December 5, 2023.

Tasting

In a gourmet style, this garnet-red Humagne reveals a fine and elegant nose, marked by notes of violet and cherry. On the palate, it offers a beautiful dynamic of red fruits, followed by a subtle finish on cherry pits. This fruity wine will go wonderfully with an autumn dish, especially your game dishes, for a harmonious combination of freshness and aromatic depth.

Storage

This is a wine for lovers of characterful wines, to be enjoyed young, on the fruit. However, after three to eight years of storage, it reveals all its complexity and pairs perfectly with game dishes, making it an ideal companion for autumn meals.

2022 vintage in Valais

The vintage 2022 was marked by exceptional weather conditions, with a scorching summer and low precipitation throughout the growing season. This drought, accentuated by the high temperatures, led to increased evaporation.

These hot and dry conditions benefited the vines, while keeping fungal diseases and pests at bay. After an early bud burst in mid-April, growth took place quickly. Flowering, which began in mid-May, took place two weeks early, leading to early harvests at the end of August.

The quality of the wines is promising, with an unexpected freshness for such a hot vintage, giving energy and vitality, while delicately balancing the gourmandise. The red wines combine body and subtlety, displaying a rich palette of black fruits and warm spices, supported by silky and melted tannins.