Christophe Abbet Humagne Rouge 2022

Christophe Abbet - Humagne Rouge comes from the Valais, in Switzerland, where the winegrower farms around 3 hectares of steep terraces between Martigny and Fully. The vines are tiered between 400 and 800 metres above sea level on granite soils, in a sunny, dry Alpine valley sheltered by the surrounding mountains. Humagne Rouge, a grape variety native to the Valais, finds both freshness and ripeness there.

Winemaking takes place in tank, with a pre-fermentation maceration followed by punch-downs to gently extract colour and aromas. The wine is aged in tank and bottled unfiltered, a low-intervention approach that lets the purity of the grape and the freshness of the granite terraces shine through.

This wine reveals notes of rose, violet, raspberry, cherry, mint, pepper, sweet spices and undergrowth. Flowers and red fruit make up a pure, refined bouquet, lifted by a minty, spicy touch. The delicate, light palate offers a velvety, enveloping texture, in a style close to Pinot Noir, with a fresh, precise 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.