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Heida

About this grape variety

When we talk about Paien, called Heida in Upper Valais, we’re referring to the Valais name given to the white wine that comes from the Savagnin grape–which is also known as Traminer.

Gewurztraminer is a genetic mutation of this grape. It was at first grown on slopes near Visperterminen, up to 1,100 metres altitude, making these some of the highest vines in Europe.

Today this variety is being more widely planted, in French-speaking Valais as well in German-speaking areas.

Information

  • Nose

    Gently aromatic with wild, rustic notes; dired-out rye bread, dried fruit, citruses and exotic fruits.

  • Palate

    Good length and associated vinosity, refreshing liveliness and structure. Sustained acidity. Can be consumed young, as well as after a few years in the cellar.

  • Origin

    The first recorded mention of it in Valais was in the middle of the 16th century in the minutes of a meeting in the Visp (Viège) district, but it is likely that it was grown in the region much earlier. Its name implies that it appeared before Christianity.

Heida

212.5 ha out of 4675 ha, or 4.5%

Tasting profile

Fruity

Floral

Full

Crisp

Dry

Not sweet

175 wine producers cultivate this grape variety

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Etymology

Heida means very old, ancient, from pagan times, hence the French translation Païen. In Valais, Heida is identical to Savagnin, whose name may stem from the French word sauvage, meaning wild, referring to the wild vine.

wine cellar(s)

Taste this grape variety

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Riddes

12 wines from this cellar

Cave du Vieux Pressoir - Michel Reuse

Cave du Vieux Pressoir offers more than 20 kinds of wines and spirits (Williams pear, Luizet apricot, prune and Gravenstein apple).

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Miège

12 wines from this cellar

L'Or du Vent

L’Or du Vent cellar offers you 11 different grape varieties, which are the basis of 16 appellations.

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Riddes

25 wines from this cellar

Maison MAYE

Since 1889, the Maye family has passionately carried on Léonide Maye’s legacy, blending tradition with innovation.

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Your tasting profile

Select your favourite type of wine or indicate what you are looking for in a wine and find out which Valais wine is right for you.

apricots, citrus fruits, exotic or red fruits, almonds, etc.Fruity

violet, elder, lime, rose, etc.Floral

low in alcohol, low in tanninsLight

Medium-bodied

intense alcohol, acidity and aromasFull

dominated by acid, which gives the wine a fresh appearanceCrisp

Fresh

without acidity, round, smoothSoft

no residual sugarDry

Semi-sweet

mellow wine, fairly supple, fleshyRich

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