Cornalin

Traditionally called Rouge du Pays, this old grape variety from Valais (Switzerland) was renamed Cornalin in 1972, borrowing the name from a grape variety from Valle d'Aosta. Obviously premonitory borrowing, since the DNA test has shown that it is a natural cross between two Aosta Valley grape varieties, Petit Rouge and Mayolet. Born in Valle d'Aosta, it was probably introduced to Valais a long time ago by the Great Saint Bernard, while it disappeared in its valley of origin. On the verge of extinction in Valais, it was saved by a handful of enthusiasts in the 1970s, so much so that it has today become the emblematic red of Valais where it is exclusively cultivated. Difficult in the vineyard, with variable yields, Cornalin gives colorful, fruity and juicy wines, with silky tannins and positive bitterness.