The grape variety Cornalin

Cornalin is a distinctive red grape variety primarily cultivated in the Valais region of Switzerland, where it is also known as Cornalin du Valais. Renowned for its deep, vibrant colour, Cornalin produces wines with a pronounced aromatic profile, featuring notes of ripe red cherries, blackberries, and plums, complemented by floral hints of violets and subtle spicy undertones. On the palate, Cornalin wines are medium to full-bodied, offering a velvety texture, lively acidity, and fine-grained tannins, which contribute to a balanced and elegant structure.

While Cornalin's historical roots trace back to both Switzerland and the Aosta Valley in northern Italy (where it is called Humagne Rouge), it is in Valais that the grape has achieved its greatest expression, thriving on the region’s sunny, alpine slopes. Typically, Cornalin is crafted as a varietal wine, often unoaked or aged briefly in neutral vessels to preserve its fruit-driven character.

Ideal food pairings for Cornalin include roasted lamb, game birds such as duck or pheasant, and hard alpine cheeses. Its vibrant fruit and moderate acidity also make it a fine match for dishes featuring earthy flavours, such as wild mushroom risotto or lentil-based stews.