Cave des Amandiers Heida 2020

This Heida from the Cave des Amandiers comes from Valais, Switzerland's largest wine-growing canton, in the heart of the Alps. It blends grapes from Fully and Leytron, on hillsides where the vines rise in terraces held up by dry-stone walls, between 450 and 900 metres above sea level. In Leytron, the well-drained schist and limestone soils bring minerality and structure, while the dry, luminous climate, swept by the foehn wind, ensures the savagnin ripens fully.

The grape, known as païen in French-speaking Valais and heida in its German-speaking part, is grown on steep plots worked by hand. Vinification takes place mainly in tank and, depending on the year, in large oak vats (foudres): this 2020 vintage was aged in foudres, a deliberately discreet choice that respects the personality of the grape, the terroir and the vintage. The work remains entirely artisanal in the cellar in Saillon.

This wine reveals notes of white flowers, mango, lime, passion fruit, yellow apple, fresh walnut, almond and gunflint. The nose, floral at first, evolves towards exotic fruit. The palate, lively and fresh, gains richness, volume and roundness with time, carried by a fine presence that lingers long on the finish.

Switzerland, a country known for its majestic mountains and shimmering lakes, also boasts a rich and diverse winemaking heritage. While less famous than its French or Italian neighbors, Swiss viticulture enjoys an excellent reputation thanks to the exceptional quality of its wines. Swiss vineyards are primarily located in the regions of Vaud, Valais, Geneva, Neuchâtel, and Ticino, each offering unique climatic conditions and soils that lend themselves to the cultivation of distinct grape varieties. Valais is the largest wine-growing region in Switzerland, renowned for its aromatic white wines such as Fendant, made from Chasselas grapes, and for powerful reds like Cornalin and Humagne Rouge. The region's dry, sunny climate, combined with schist and granite soils, creates ideal conditions for these grape varieties. The Vaud region, particularly around Lake Geneva, is renowned for its elegant white wines, notably the Lavaux wines, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These terraced vineyards offer not only wines of great finesse but also spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Geneva, while smaller in terms of wine production, is dynamic and innovative, producing a variety of wines ranging from classic Chasselas and Gamay to experiments with international grape varieties. Ticino, close to Italy, is dominated by Merlot, which is vinified there as both red and white (Merlot Blanc is vinified without contact with the grape skins). The mild climate and clay-limestone soils give these wines remarkable structure and complexity. Neuchâtel excels in the production of white wines, particularly its Chasselas, but is also known for its Œil-de-Perdrix, a delicate and highly regarded rosé. Swiss wines, often produced in small quantities but with meticulous attention to detail, are primarily consumed locally or exported in small amounts, making them hidden gems for connoisseurs and wine lovers worldwide. Switzerland is a country where tradition and innovation meet in the vineyards, offering an authentic and high-quality wine experience.