Amigne
Description
Rare grape variety from the region of Vétroz (Valais) producing dry, semi-sweet, or fortified wines.
General and History
Amigne is native to Valais, where it was historically cultivated between Ardon and Sierre. It was first mentioned in 1686 in Regrouillon, a vineyard between Granges and Noës. For many years, it has been the rare and emblematic grape variety of the village of Vétroz, near Sion.
The legend that Amigne was brought to Valais by the Romans is unfounded. It is based on the Aminae of Roman authors (Pliny the Elder and Columella in particular), who described at least eight different varieties under this name. José Vouillamoz categorically refutes this claim for two very simple reasons: 1) it is impossible to establish a botanical identity between the vague descriptions of the Latin authors and modern grape varieties, and 2) Amigne shares, at most, the same etymology with the Aminae.
The author of the text was unable to identify the parentage of Amigne using DNA testing. It is therefore an orphan grape variety, its ancient parents having likely disappeared. However, it has been possible to identify certain genetic links: Amigne is probably a granddaughter of Petit Meslier from Champagne and Franche-Comté (France), and a great-granddaughter of Savagnin and Gouais Blanc, both from northeastern France. These two grape varieties were also cultivated in Valais before the 16th century under the names Heida and Gwäss. It is therefore quite possible that one or both of Amigne's extinct parents were introduced from northeastern France, perhaps at the same time as its great-grandparents.
Distribution in the past and today
Current distribution: 41.5 ha, almost exclusively in Valais, and very mainly in Vétroz where it covers 29 ha (in 2015), i.e. 70% of the world area.
Utilization
Amigne is a chameleon grape variety that allows for the production of dry, mellow or sweet wines (called "flétris" or "liqueux" in Valais), the level of sweetness of which is indicated by a macaron exclusive to Amigne de Vétroz, illustrating 1 (25g/l) bee.
Suitability
Dry or semi-sweet wines have aromas of linden tea, pear, citrus, and white pepper, and a delicately tannic palate with a slight bitterness on the finish. Naturally sweet wines ("fétis") are characterized by orange and mandarin zest, dried apricots, and a beautifully balanced palate with great length.
Miscellaneous
Regarding the etymology of this grape variety, two hypotheses are plausible:
1) Latin *amoenus* = pleasant, referring to its ability to produce sweet wines.
2) The La Migne vineyard in Vétroz, mentioned historically, perhaps corresponding to the present-day Magnot, formerly called Megnes. Or perhaps the vineyard itself took its name from the grape variety?
Literature
·Vouillamoz, J. (2017). Cépages suisses, histoires et origines. Ed. Favre
Governmental organisations
https://www.pgrel.admin.ch/pgrel/#/
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