Index

Description

A typical grape variety of Valais, originally from the Aosta Valley and grown exclusively in Valais, mostly under the borrowed name Cornalin, although it differs from Valdostan Cornalin.

General and History

Rouge du Pays is one of the oldest red grape varieties in Valais, as evidenced by centuries-old vines in Leuk, Ollon (Lens), Ardon, Tourtemagne, and Visperterminen. It was first documented in 1878, but it was likely among the grape varieties simply referred to as "the reds" at that time. However, there is no evidence of a connection to the enigmatic Neyrun, which is mentioned in the "Anniviers Register" of 1313 alongside Rèze and Humagne. From the mid-19th century onward, Rouge du Pays was displaced by Pinot Noir and Gamay, which are considerably easier to cultivate than this low-yielding variety, prone to magnesium deficiency. By the mid-20th century, Rouge du Pays was nearly extinct; at the end of the 1960s, only five vines remained. The grape variety was rediscovered in the early 1970s and renamed Cornalin in 1972, deliberately adopting the name of a grape variety from the Aosta Valley (also known as Humagne Rouge in Valais). This ampelographic error leads to confusion, as the cultivation of the true Cornalin is increasing in the Aosta Valley, where the naming rights for this variety take precedence. Therefore, the author recommends using the historical name Rouge du Pays.

Thanks to paternity tests, the parent varieties of Rouge du Pays have been identified: it is a natural cross between Petit Rouge and Mayolet du Val d’Aoste, two grape varieties frequently cultivated in the same vineyards, for example, in the renowned Torrette vineyard. Originally from the Aosta Valley, Rouge du Pays was introduced to Valais several centuries ago, presumably via the Great St. Bernard Pass. Although Rouge du Pays has disappeared from its homeland, the Aosta Valley, it has nevertheless left its mark: DNA analyses prove that it is the ancestor of Roussin, Neret di Saint-Vincent, and Cornalin. This is why it is so important to use valid ampelographic names.

Rouge du Pays originated from a natural cross between Mayolet and Petit Rouge du Val d’Aoste. It is therefore also a grandchild (or half-brother) of Valdostan Prié. Several grape varieties of Valdostan origin have descended from Rouge du Pays, including Goron de Bovernier and Cornalin.

Distribution in the past and today

135.7 ha, almost exclusively in Valais, mostly under the appropriated name Cornalin.

Suitability

This difficult-to-cultivate grape variety can produce excellent wines with good yield control. It offers aromas of black cherry, violet, and raspberry, dense and silky tannins, and a pleasant bitter note on the finish.

Literature

·Vouillamoz, J. (2017). Cépages suisses, histoires et origines. Ed. Favre