Ep 251 - Petit Arvine & the Hidden Grapes of Valais: DNA Discoveries and World-Class Swiss Syrah with José Vouillamoz
About this episode
Janina Doyle explores the unique grape varieties and wine culture of Switzerland's Valais region with expert José Vouillamoz.
In this episode, Janina travels to Switzerland’s Valais – a dramatic Alpine region that is home to one of the highest concentrations of indigenous grape varieties in the world. She is joined by José Vouillamoz, leading authority on grape origins and DNA profiling, co-author of Wine Grapes, and author of Swiss Grapes, to explore Valais’ ancient varieties, genetic mysteries, heroic viticulture and why this small region quietly produces some of the world’s best Syrah. From Petit Arvine and Amigne to Cornalin, Humagne Rouge and age-worthy Chasselas (Fendant), this is a fascinating deep dive into Swiss wine history, science and flavour. 02:59 The coolest fact about Valais - the world’s smallest vineyard owned by the Dalai Lama. 05:21 Janina links back to her episode (Ep 75) on the most unique vineyards in the world. 05:59 Why Valais is genetically unique - indigenous grapes found nowhere else. 07:22 Is Valais the most concentrated region for native grape varieties? 10:01 The Alpine landscape - terraces, dry stone walls and heroic viticulture. 12:22 Where to begin with indigenous grapes - Petit Arvine explained. 14:02 Angelo Gaja’s failed attempt to plant Arvine in Piemonte. 15:47…
People in this episode
Host: Janina Doyle
Guest: José Vouillamoz
Topics covered
- Swiss wine
- indigenous grape varieties
- Valais region
- grape origins
- DNA profiling
- heroic viticulture
- Syrah
Keywords
- Petit Arvine
- Valais
- Swiss Syrah
- indigenous grapes
- wine history
- DNA discoveries
- heroic viticulture
- Amigne
- Gross Arvine
Mentioned in this episode
Products: Petit Arvine, Amigne, Gross Arvine, Chasselas, Humagne Rouge, Cornalin
Books & works: Wine Grapes, Swiss Grapes
Places: Switzerland, Valais, Piemonte
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