Amigne – the long-established and, in the truest sense of the word, pleasant Valais wine
Introduction: Amigne AOC Valais white wine
This wine is, of course, just one of the many excellent Valais white wines that we offer. In our online shop, you will also find a wide selection of rosé wines, red wines, sparkling wines and digestifs.
If you are looking for a gift, we recommend, for example, the various tasting boxes from our gift service or a gift voucher that allows the recipient to choose from our online shop.
The most important information at a glance
- Amigne is an ancient, indigenous grape variety that thrives exclusively in Valais. It is the ‘house grape’ of the municipality of Vétroz, which lies twelve kilometres south of Sion. 70 per cent of the grapes grow there, with the rest in neighbouring municipalities. Today, the vine is cultivated on 43 hectares and produces around 100,000 litres of wine per year.
- The Amigne de Vétroz is inextricably linked with bees. The Amigne is characterised by its aromas of orange and tangerine and its tangy acidity. Above all, however, it covers the entire spectrum of wine types, from bone-dry to noble sweet. And that's where the bees come in. To help consumers identify the type of wine they are dealing with, the Vétroz winegrowers have had a logo protected for their products: a single bee on the bottle denotes a dry wine, two bees mean off-dry, three bees indicate a sweet wine.
- The term Amigne is derived from ‘vitis amoena’, which means pleasant vine in Latin. It is a direct descendant of the Upper Valais grape Gwäss. This was very common in the Middle Ages. No fewer than 80 grape varieties throughout Europe have been created from it through natural crossbreeding (e.g. Chardonnay, Gamay, Riesling, etc.).
Origin, sources and significance of the Amigne grape variety
It is assumed that the grapes were introduced to Switzerland by the Romans. However, the variety was not mentioned until 1878, when it was included in an ampelographic exhibition in Geneva.
It has been cultivated in Valais since the 16th century. The people of Varen have strong cultural and historical ties to the Gwäss grape variety, which is still grown in the Upper Valais. According to the latest genetic research, it is the oldest grape variety in the world to be known by name.
Characteristics of the Amigne white wine variety: growth, ripening and yield
The grape variety is a late-ripening variety, ripening about 30 days after Fendant. The Amigne vines require special attention from the winemaker, as this grape variety is thin-skinned and sensitive.
Thanks to the loose, well-ventilated berries, the grapes can remain on the vine for a long time. Nurtured by the intense sun of the late autumn typical of the Valais, the winemakers can press a magnificent, complex and almost oriental-tasting sweet wine, which, thanks to its great ageing potential, becomes increasingly noble over time.
Flavour profile of Amigne: Intense aromas, well-integrated, tangy acidity
The flavour profile of the Amigne grape is characterised by characteristic aromas and a wide range of fruity notes on the palate. These include citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges, but also notes of exotic fruits such as pineapple, tangerines, mango or apricots.
The floral nuances are dominated by white flowers such as jasmine or acacia, which give the wine an elegant and fragrant dimension. Often, the sweetness of honey is also found on the palate, which is particularly noticeable in the noble sweet varieties.
Amigne and food: the best combinations
Depending on the flavour, the Amigne, with its complex aromas, is an excellent accompaniment to a fondue or dishes of well-roasted poultry.
This white wine is equally ideal with light starters, salads and seafood, as well as dishes from Asian cuisine or dishes with foie gras.
Dry or slightly sweet versions are also a fantastic pairing when served with a chicken pâté. And dessert wines will enhance any form of fruity dessert, such as a tart.
Our recommended Amigne AOC Valais wines
Amigne de Vétroz Les Pyramides AOC VS
Interesting facts about the Amigne grape
Here you will find an overview of important facts about the Amigne grape variety.
Do the wines in the Mathier online shop have an item number?
The wines in the Mathier online shop are labelled internally with an item number. However, you do not need this to order.
How long can Amigne wines be stored?
Whether sweet or dry, Amigne wines have great aging potential. Great vintages are still outstanding after several decades!