Humagne Rouge from Chamoson 2024 - 75cl - AOC Valais - Domaine des Petites Planètes

Derived from a centuries-old cross in the Aosta Valley between Cornalin and an unknown grape variety, Humagne Rouge crossed the Great Saint Bernard Pass to establish itself in Valais. Although its arrival is relatively recent (end of the 19th century), it quickly established itself as the second great red wine of Valais, after Cornalin.

Vigorous and late-maturing, Humagne Rouge produces vintages with a strong character. When the opportunity arose to work this plot of Humagne Rouge on the terroir of Prés des Pierres in Chamoson, it was a unique chance to highlight this grape variety. My ambition was to create a wine that combines indulgence and concentration, revealing all the richness and depth of Humagne Rouge in this exceptional terroir.

This wine was born in Switzerland. Here, no synthetic inputs, neither in the vineyard nor in the cellar. Instead, it is the herbal infusions, fermented extracts and compost tea that watch over the vine, like benevolent companions, gently accompanying it at each stage of the season in addition to copper and sulfur to limit the spread of mildew and powdery mildew. Thus, this wine breathes the land that saw it grow, free and sincere, in harmony with the rhythms of nature.

Altitude of the plot 540 meters
Harvested by hand on October 4, 2024
Indigenous yeasts
Aged for 12 months in oak barrels
988 bottles

Grape variety

100% Humagne Rouge.

Vinification

A little SO2 at harvest time, incorporation of a native yeast starter during the day, one trapping per day during fermentation, pressing after 15 days of maceration.

Added 10 mg/L of SO2 after malolactic fermentation, light filtration before bottling, adjusted to 25 mg/L of free SO2 in volcanic sulfur.

Bottled on April 23, 2025.

Tasting

In a gourmet style, this garnet-red Humagne reveals a fine and elegant nose, marked by notes of violet and cherry. On the palate, it offers a beautiful dynamic of red fruits, followed by a subtle finish on cherry pits. This fruity wine will go wonderfully with an autumn dish, especially your game dishes, for a harmonious combination of freshness and aromatic depth.

Storage

This is a wine for lovers of characterful wines, to be enjoyed young, on the fruit. However, after three to eight years of storage, it reveals all its complexity and pairs perfectly with game dishes, making it an ideal companion for autumn meals.

Vintage 2024 in Valais

The winter, milder than usual, surprised the vines with its kindness. Bud burst early, nearly two weeks ahead of 2023. But in mid-April, the cold returned, bringing several nights of frost. Fortunately, these episodes only caused damage to the youngest plantations.

This return of cold slowed growth. Then, at flowering time, the rains increased, causing some coulure. The persistent humidity favored the appearance of mildew. The health pressure was high, and interventions were numerous. Armed with the lessons learned from 2021, we were able to react quickly. A few windows of dry weather allowed us to treat effectively. Powdery mildew then appeared, prolonging this vigilance.

Despite these challenges, the grapes ripened under good conditions, giving rise to hopes of a good harvest. But from the end of September, the harvest was disrupted by cool, wet weather. Beginning on September 16, it required rapid response. While phenolic maturity had been reached, sugar levels remained slightly below the ten-year average. Botrytis, favored by the humidity, forced us to harvest quickly, especially the reds.

The resulting wines offer a different expression, distinguished by their freshness. Whereas the 2022 and 2023 vintages displayed richness and volume, the 2024 vintage offers more tension and finesse. The whites are clean and expressive, with floral and fruity aromas and a straightforward palate. The reds, with their deep colors, find their balance between lively acidity and gentle extraction. The tannins are supple and precise, producing elegant wines that are ready to seduce.