Best Canton of Valais Beverage Types
Petite Arvine is a white grape variety that is mostly cultivated in Valais and Aosta Valley, although its exact origin is still somewhat vague. This late ripening grape is used in the production of dry and sweet wines which are typically intense and fragrant, with floral, citrus, and fruit aromas.
Most styles can benefit from aging, and they usually have well-balanced acidity and minerality. Dry wines made from Petite Arvine grapes pair well with white meat, seafood, charcuterie, and cheese.
THE BEST Petite Arvine Wine Varieties
Williamine is a fruit brandy distilled from locally grown Williams pears. It is produced in Martigny, Valais, and the name has been protected by Morand distillery since 1953. A highly-prized version comes with the whole pear inside the bottle.
Williamine is a clear and transparent spirit with intense fruity aromas and flavors reminiscent of ripe pears. It is bottled at 43% ABV. It can be enjoyed as an aperitif or a digestif, but it can also be incorporated into cocktails or long drinks.
Abricotine is a clear, colorless fruit brandy that is characterized by its dominant apricot flavor and subtle almond nuances. It is distilled from pitted and fermented Luizet apricots that are cultivated in the Valais area and are especially suitable for distillation.
The final distillate is cut with water to achieve the desired 40% ABV. Abricotine is best appreciated as a digestif, preferably served neat and well-chilled, but it also incorporates well in cocktails and desserts.
Cornalin is an ancient red grape from Valle d’Aosta in northern Italy. It is now mainly cultivated in Valais in Switzerland, where it is also known as Humagne Rouge. The grape produces refreshing, fruity red wines. It is the most important red variety in Valais, and as a varietal wine, it can be included in Valle d’Aosta DOC.
Cornalin-based wines usually have a somewhat rustic character. They are typically well-structured and intense, with aromas that are reminiscent of dark fruit, sweet spices, plums, and some peppery notes. They are usually enjoyed young, but they can also age well, resulting in pleasantly tannic, soft, rounded red wines.
This clear, colorless fruit brandy is produced from fermented Williams pears that are cultivated in Valais. The final distillate is combined with water to reach the desired 40% ABV, and it is then aged for a minimum of six months. This strong spirit is characterized by its intense pear flavor and subtle herbaceous aromas.
It is usually enjoyed as a digestif that is best served neat and well-chilled, but it is also incorporated in cocktails and desserts.
VARIATIONS OF Eau-de-Vie de Poire du Valais
Vin des glaciers are unique white wines from Sierre in Valais, Switzerland. The wines are rare and exclusive, only available for tasting at local wine cellars in Grimentz. They were originally made from a local Rèze grape, but as the variety became obscure, most are now made from different white grapes, namely Humagne, Chasselas, Marsanne, Petite Arvine, and Malvasia.
The wines are produced utilizing a unique process like the solera system used for sherry wines in Andalusia. The barrels are never fully emptied, and as the wine is taken out, new vintages are added to the barrel, creating unique blended wines that are then aged further.
Best Canton of Valais Beverage Producers
AWARDS

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2023, 2022

Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2019
BEST Domaines Chevaliers Wines
AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2022, 2019, 2018, 2017

Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2016
BEST Adrian & Diego Mathier Nouveau Salquenen Wines
AWARDS

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2020
BEST Château Constellation SA Wines
AWARDS

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2019
BEST Domaine Rouvinez Sa Wines
AWARDS

The Liqueur Masters - Gold
2023

The Liqueur Masters - Master
2023
BEST Distillerie Morand & Cie Liqueurs
AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2019, 2018, 2016
BEST Gregor Kuonen Caveau de Salquenen Wines
AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2024, 2023
BEST Domaine Histoire D'enfer Wines
Best Canton of Valais Beverages
AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2022
AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Best in Show
2016
AWARDS

The Liqueur Masters - Master
2023
AWARDS

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2022
AWARDS

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2023
AWARDS

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2020
AWARDS

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2019
AWARDS

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles - Grande Médaille d'or
2019
AWARDS

Berlin Wine Trophy - Grand Gold
2022
AWARDS

Decanter World Wine Awards - Platinum
2022, 2019, 2018, 2017
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