Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Alpine Roots Humagne Rouge 2023, AOC Valais, Switzerland 🇨🇭

Overview
100% Humagne Rouge, an indigenous Alpine variety from the Valais region of Switzerland. Grown in steep mountain vineyards with strong sun exposure and cool alpine influence. A terroir-driven wine that reflects the purity, freshness, and rustic charm of Swiss mountain viticulture.

Aromas & Flavors
Wild dark berries, red currant, cocoa powder, subtle dried herbs, and a touch of alpine earthiness. The fruit remains fresh while savory tones begin to emerge with air.

Mouthfeel
Light to medium body with soft edges and refined rusticity. Gentle tannins and bright acidity keep the wine lively and approachable. A textured palate that leans savory rather than fruit-heavy.

Food Pairings
Charcuterie, roasted poultry, mushroom dishes, alpine cheeses, lamb sausages, or herb-driven Mediterranean dishes.

Verdict
Distinctive and surprisingly charming. A wine that doesn’t try to imitate global varieties but instead celebrates its mountain identity. Approachable, food-friendly, and quietly intriguing.

Did You Know?
Humagne Rouge is native to the Swiss Alps and thrives in the steep terraces of Valais, where intense sunlight and cool mountain nights help maintain freshness and aromatic clarity.

🍷 Personal Pick
A wonderful curveball wine. Rustic, cocoa-tinged, and incredibly food friendly, the kind of bottle that makes people ask, “Wait… Switzerland makes wine?” — a month ago

Ceccherini Cristiano

9.4

Such a hard wine to get hold of this was
Not necessarily expensive, but it has such a long story behind that i can't even start
If you know Elisabetta Foradori this guy, mr Zierock, was her first husband and probably not a well mannered either
He was a strong biodynamic Steiner believer for my understanding and i truly thought this wine was going to be just off for some silly reason
On the other hand i find still a crisp fruit, there definitely been skin contact, such a chalky mineral that emphasises the ginger, the smokiness, the honeycomb and the very long after taste
Better when room temperature
I just cant believe that the legend of the Alps mountains has actually delivered so well
Just hope we could all think twice before putting anything else than fermented grape juice into winemaking
A very special bottle i had been holding on for such a long time..a real treasure..exciting emotion!! — 5 years ago

Molly Anderson

8.9

Deep red color. From the Italian side of the Swiss alps. 100% petit rouge. Caramel aromas. Super fruity beginning, berries but not too sweet. Light tannins.
Real delicious.
From Matt. — 6 years ago

with Simon

Bob McDonald

9.5

Beechworth is in the foothills of the Victorian Alps and is fast becoming one of the premier districts for Chardonnay in Australia thanks to the burgeoning success of Giaconda (and also Savaterre). The Rodda Smiths Vineyard is a neighbour to these 2 Icons. Aromatics of grapefruit, white flowers and grilled nuts. On the medium bodied palate Peach, citrus and ripe grapefruit of medium plus intensity. Ticks all the boxes. 2021 was an excellent vintage in Beechworth as it was for most of Australia. Excellent wine and good value. — 6 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Struck match, leesy, peach and nectarine, balanced oak in the background. This is the little brother of Giaconda which is regarded by many as being the best Chardonnay in Australia, made by Rick Kinzbrunner In Beechworth in the foothills of the Australian Alps. Grown in gravelly soils. Most winemakers would be happy to have this as their best effort, but this is Giaconda. Had a 2nd bottle 70 weeks later on 20th January 2025 with consistent notes. Not as funky as the tasting in 2023. — 3 years ago

Josh Morgenthau

9.2

Wow. Beautiful tawny red. Pure pure pine essence. With that fresh green pine note. The smell of hiking through a pine forest. Not too sweet or syrupy at all, with a fine astringent finish. Very cool. — 6 years ago

Vin d’Ottawa

9.2

I have FINALLY tried wine from the rare Humange Rouge grape, grown deep in the Swiss Alps, and it did not disappoint.

Black cherry and Cranberry to start before settling into a herbal and lightly mineral finish. The way it twists from one into the other is beautiful. — 7 months ago

with Gillian

Clay Bullwinkel

9.5

Wonderful Valltelina Nebbiolo. With 10 years aging, moving towards a Barolo. Sour dark cherries, smoke, leather, tar, long finish. The southern Alps in a bottle. — 3 years ago

Anthony Lombardi

9.2

A one of a kind wine. One of the only producers in the Provençal Alps. The blend is 50% Syrah, 30% Mourvèdre, 10% Grenache 10% Cabernet. All of the fruit was lost in the 2017 vintage, so other vignerons throughout Provence provided fruit & this Cuvee Speciale was born. Ripe forest berries & smoke. Wonderfully textured & layered. Pick one up if you find one. — 6 years ago

Anthony

9.3

amazing flavor! Italian Alps represents huge! — 6 years ago