Carnelian 2020

Description of Winery Cave des Amandiers

Located in the wine-growing heart of Valais in Switzerland, Domaine Cave des Amandiers is renowned for its biodynamic and environmentally friendly approach. This estate excels in producing wines that highlight the region's indigenous grape varieties, fully expressing the unique terroir of Valais.

Description of the Cuvée Cornalin

Cave des Amandiers' Cuvée Cornalin is made from the Cornalin grape, an indigenous Valais grape variety known for its ability to produce deeply colored and aromatically rich wines. This wine embodies the spirit of Valais with its robust structure and complex aromas, the result of the region's high altitude and rich soils.

Aromas of the Cuvée

This wine seduces with its intense aromas of red fruits such as cherry and raspberry, complemented by notes of violet and spices. With age, it develops nuances of leather and tobacco, enriching its already complex scent profile.

Characteristics of the Cuvée

• Grape variety: Cornalin
• Profile: On the palate, Cornalin offers a silky texture with well-integrated tannins which support a framework of ripe black fruit flavors. The acidity is moderate, contributing to perfect balance and a long, flavorful finish.
• Aging Potential: This wine has excellent aging potential, thanks to its tannic structure and its aromatic intensity, which will allow it to develop harmoniously over several years.

Pairings with this Cuvée

Cornalin is particularly suitable for red meat dishes, such as roast beef or game. It is also exceptional with mature cheeses, where its tannins highlight the richness of the cheese flavors.

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