Swiss Valley Ember
Cornalin
Cornalin
Cornalin
A rustic treasure from the alpine slopes, surviving against all odds to bring warmth to your glass. My character is ancient, moody, and deeply colorful, offering a sip of history saved from the brink of extinction.
A rustic treasure from the alpine slopes, surviving against all odds to bring warmth to your glass. My character is ancient, moody, and deeply colorful, offering a sip of history saved from the brink of extinction.
A rustic treasure from the alpine slopes, surviving against all odds to bring warmth to your glass. My character is ancient, moody, and deeply colorful, offering a sip of history saved from the brink of extinction.
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Native Red Gems
Body
Just Right
Tannins
Pillowy Presence
Acidity
Properly Sharp
Sugar
Savagely Dry
Why you'll like me
Why you'll like me
I'm rare
I'm authentic
I'm complex
I'm the definition of a comeback kid. If you love discovering hidden gems that almost vanished from history, I'm your guy. I offer a wild, rustic charm that international varieties just can't fake. My complexity deepens with age, transforming from fruity youth into something spicy and profound. I'm a conversation starter, a piece of alpine heritage in a bottle that proves hard work pays off.
I'm the definition of a comeback kid. If you love discovering hidden gems that almost vanished from history, I'm your guy. I offer a wild, rustic charm that international varieties just can't fake. My complexity deepens with age, transforming from fruity youth into something spicy and profound. I'm a conversation starter, a piece of alpine heritage in a bottle that proves hard work pays off.
I'm the definition of a comeback kid. If you love discovering hidden gems that almost vanished from history, I'm your guy. I offer a wild, rustic charm that international varieties just can't fake. My complexity deepens with age, transforming from fruity youth into something spicy and profound. I'm a conversation starter, a piece of alpine heritage in a bottle that proves hard work pays off.
Why maybe not
I'm moody
I'm scarce
I'm rustic
I can be a bit of a diva in the vineyard, which makes me hard to find and sometimes pricey. My personality is moody, some vintages I'm smooth, others I'm a bit rough around the edges with biting acidity. If you prefer polished, predictable supermarket reds that taste the same every year, my wild alpine temperament might shock your palate.
I can be a bit of a diva in the vineyard, which makes me hard to find and sometimes pricey. My personality is moody, some vintages I'm smooth, others I'm a bit rough around the edges with biting acidity. If you prefer polished, predictable supermarket reds that taste the same every year, my wild alpine temperament might shock your palate.
When drinking, notice this
Dark color
Spiced fruit
Grippy tannins
You'll immediately spot my dark, intense purple robe swirling in the glass. On the nose, I tend to show off vibrant black cherries and wild plums, often backed by a spicy kick of clove or tobacco. On the palate, expect a lively acidity and tannins that have a bit of grip, ending with a rustic, earthy finish that lingers longer than you might expect.
You'll immediately spot my dark, intense purple robe swirling in the glass. On the nose, I tend to show off vibrant black cherries and wild plums, often backed by a spicy kick of clove or tobacco. On the palate, expect a lively acidity and tannins that have a bit of grip, ending with a rustic, earthy finish that lingers longer than you might expect.
You'll immediately spot my dark, intense purple robe swirling in the glass. On the nose, I tend to show off vibrant black cherries and wild plums, often backed by a spicy kick of clove or tobacco. On the palate, expect a lively acidity and tannins that have a bit of grip, ending with a rustic, earthy finish that lingers longer than you might expect.
They also call me
No regional nicks
MY LIFE STORIES
The Valais Veteran
The Valais Veteran
The Valais Veteran
I was born in the steep, sun-drenched valleys of Valais, Switzerland, centuries ago. For a long time, I was the undisputed king of the region, known locally as "Rouge du Pays." I'm actually one of the oldest varieties around here, a direct descendant of ancient vines like Mayolet and Petit Rouge. While others migrated or changed, I stayed put, digging my roots deep into the alpine granite. I'm a true mountaineer, stubborn and resilient, carrying the genetic memory of generations of Swiss winemaking in my sap. I don't just grow here, I belong here.
I was born in the steep, sun-drenched valleys of Valais, Switzerland, centuries ago. For a long time, I was the undisputed king of the region, known locally as "Rouge du Pays." I'm actually one of the oldest varieties around here, a direct descendant of ancient vines like Mayolet and Petit Rouge. While others migrated or changed, I stayed put, digging my roots deep into the alpine granite. I'm a true mountaineer, stubborn and resilient, carrying the genetic memory of generations of Swiss winemaking in my sap. I don't just grow here, I belong here.
Back from the Brink
Back from the Brink
Back from the Brink
You almost never met me. In the 20th century, growers started tearing me out because I was too difficult to manage. I have a habit of producing fruit only when I feel like it-a trait farmers call "alternate bearing" but I call "artistic temperament." By the 1970s, I was practically a ghost, with only a few vines left in existence. Thankfully, a few dedicated souls realized that my quality was worth the headache. They saved me from extinction, and now I'm celebrated as the region's greatest red treasure. I'm living proof that quality beats convenience every time.
You almost never met me. In the 20th century, growers started tearing me out because I was too difficult to manage. I have a habit of producing fruit only when I feel like it-a trait farmers call "alternate bearing" but I call "artistic temperament." By the 1970s, I was practically a ghost, with only a few vines left in existence. Thankfully, a few dedicated souls realized that my quality was worth the headache. They saved me from extinction, and now I'm celebrated as the region's greatest red treasure. I'm living proof that quality beats convenience every time.
My Identity Crisis
My Identity Crisis
My Identity Crisis
Let's clear up a little family drama. For years, I was known simply as 'Rouge du Pays' or 'Landroter.' In 1972, I was officially renamed 'Cornalin' to give me more prestige, but this created confusion because that name historically belongs to a grape from the Aosta Valley (which you know in Switzerland as Humagne Rouge). Geneticists eventually stepped in and proved we are distinct: I am a cross of Petit Rouge and Mayolet. So, while I am the Cornalin of Valais today, I technically borrowed the title from my Italian cousin.
Let's clear up a little family drama. For years, I was known simply as 'Rouge du Pays' or 'Landroter.' In 1972, I was officially renamed 'Cornalin' to give me more prestige, but this created confusion because that name historically belongs to a grape from the Aosta Valley (which you know in Switzerland as Humagne Rouge). Geneticists eventually stepped in and proved we are distinct: I am a cross of Petit Rouge and Mayolet. So, while I am the Cornalin of Valais today, I technically borrowed the title from my Italian cousin.
REGIONS I LEAD
REGIONS I HELP
SUB-REGIONS I HELP
Torrette
(
Valle d'Aosta
)
Located right smack in the middle of the region, this appellation pumps out the highest volume of red wine in the valley. It is the dependable, go-to bottle on every local trattoria table.
Located right smack in the middle of the region, this appellation pumps out the highest volume of red wine in the valley. It is the dependable, go-to bottle on every local trattoria table.
Arnad-Montjovet
(
Valle d'Aosta
)
If Donnas is the strict older brother, Arnad-Montjovet is the cool uncle who brings snacks. Located just up the valley, it offers a slightly friendlier take on mountain reds without losing that rocky edge.
If Donnas is the strict older brother, Arnad-Montjovet is the cool uncle who brings snacks. Located just up the valley, it offers a slightly friendlier take on mountain reds without losing that rocky edge.
WINE STYLES I LEAD
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