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Lafnetscha

About this grape variety

Lafnetscha is an ancient grape variety from Upper Valais, making complex, ageworthy wines.

Its name derives from "Laff nit scha", which is the local dialect for "Don’t drink yet" – a reference to the wine’s high natural acidity and consequent cellaring potential.

Contrary to its etymology, these wines can be drunk young, however, they also age well.

Information

  • Nose

    Densely structured, with nectarine, elderflower, chamomile and Golden Delicious

  • Palate

    Pronounced acidity and a very persistent floral finish

  • Origin

    Lafnetscha is indigenous to Upper Valais, where the first-ever recorded mention of the rare grape (“Lachneschen”) dates back to 1627. For a long time, it was confused with the Completer grape that hails from the canton of Graubünden in eastern Switzerland. DNA tests finally revealed that Lafnetscha was a natural cross between Completer and Valais native Humagne Blanc.

Lafnetscha

2.1 ha out of 4675 ha, or 0.07%

Tasting profile

Fruity

Floral

Light

Fresh

Dry

Not sweet

7 wine producers cultivate this grape variety

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wine cellars

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Brig

9 wines from this cellar

Sewer Weine

This small, family-run winery in Upper Valais cultivates 18 different grape varieties on the south-facing slopes of the Rhône at Brigerbad and Varen.

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Salquenen

36 wines from this cellar

Albert Mathier & Söhne

Albert Mathier & Fils pioneered winegrowing in the Valais at the beginning of the 20th century, and continues today with the maturing of wine in amphorae.

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Visp

17 wines from this cellar

Chanton Weine

The family business maintains this skilful and pioneering approach today. Josef-Marie’s son, Mario Chanton, took the helm in 2008.

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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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