The Humagne red grape variety is believed to have come from Val d’Aosta in Italy. Although its exact origins are still not yet fully known. What we do know is that it is widely planted in Valais, it is a late ripener, has soft subtle tannin a type of savage wildness about it and is heavenly delicious.
The Humagne Rouge, Valais D’Or by Maurice Gay Chamoson is a fine example of a wine made from this grape.
Nose
Alluring aromas of violets, cranberry, semi dried forest berries and forest undergrowth burst forth straight away.
Palate
This wine has rich savoury red fruit flavours and prunes. Warming alcohol, a hint of bitterness and a velvety silky texture. A gracious impressive wine.
Food Match
Wild game bird – gineafowl, quail, partridges, pheasant and wild rabbit dishes work exceptionally well.
Mood Match
With its rustic, wild aspect I would suggest a wilderness type of environment. Camping in a soft green meadow covered with daisies next to a babbling brook. Or if you can get to a wild food festival take along several bottles to drink around a roaring bonfire. Another option is a passionate romantic dinner for two in a secluded log cabin in the forest. Impress your foreign visitors with Humagne, a treat that they will not find anywhere else in the world apart from possibly Val d’ Aosta.
Tip: Please look into the eyes of the person you are clinking glasses with – very important in Switzerland
Price: CHF 18.50
Available at: Obrist in Vevey
Contact details: vinaria@obrist.ch, 021 925 99 26, address: OBRIST Vinaria, Avenue Reller 26, 1800 Vevey
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9h00 – 12h15, 13h30 – 18h00; Saturday 9h30 – 13h00
It is well worth a visit to the Vinaria (tasting room) at Obrist which is situated behind the train station in Vevey. They have a vast selection of Swiss and worldwide wines available. More than 350 to be precise. In November they hold a magnificent tasting of all their wines.
Now take our quiz: how Lavaux wine smart are you?
Answer the questions below before Tuesday 31st March. If you get all of them correct you will receive a gift voucher by email to go along to Terres de Lavaux in Lutry to try a selection of 3 glasses of their fine wines and receive a 10% discount on any wines purchased on the spot valid until June 30 2015.
Nina Bobillier is a wine reviewer and guide. nina@lenews.ch
