Since the early 2000s, warm vintages have followed one another in Valais. With a few exceptions (2004 and 2007), high—sometimes scorching—temperatures have become the norm. In light of this trend, meteorologists and agronomists are examining the consequences of climate change for Swiss viticulture.
A Valais vineyard with a great diversity of grape varieties
Valais has a major asset in the face of climate change: the richness of its grape varieties. From Pinot Noir to Chasselas, including indigenous varieties such as Cornalin and Heida, this diversity enables remarkable adaptation to changing conditions.
Pinot Noir in the face of rising temperatures
To avoid Pinot Noirs that are too ripe or “cooked,” where they are planted becomes strategic. They are favoured on the left bank of the Rhône or at altitude, above 700 metres. This adaptation is all the more necessary as competition intensifies with other Swiss wine regions such as Schaffhausen or Lake Zurich, not to mention the elegant Blauburgunders of Germany’s Rheingau, renowned for their freshness and fruit-forward character.
Valais grape varieties adapted to climate extremes
Humagne Rouge: resistance to heat
The late-ripening variety par excellence, Humagne Rouge thrives on the finest slopes of Valais. Rising temperatures do not seem to slow its development—quite the contrary.
Heida: altitude as its playground
Savagnin Blanc, known locally as Heida, has exceptional adaptability. It can ripen at altitudes of up to 1,000 metres and produces expressive wines on both banks of the Rhône.
Petite Arvine: a demanding diva
A delicate and sensitive variety, Petite Arvine is as wary of overly fertile soils as it is of drought periods. It requires constant attention and precise expertise. With increasingly dry summers, it may become even more demanding, while remaining a true signature of Valais’ vineyards.
Cornalin: Valais’ robust king
Fanciful and exclusive, Cornalin fully expresses itself on poor soils. Resistant to cold as well as extreme conditions, it nonetheless requires low yields to reveal all its elegance. If poorly controlled, it can produce less harmonious wines.
Climate change: between opportunity and vigilance
Thanks to this exceptional diversity of grape varieties, Valais’ vineyards have strong assets for adapting to climate change. This richness makes it possible to look to the future with a certain serenity, provided that common sense is applied and adaptation remains ongoing.
However, the risks associated with extreme weather events must not be overlooked. Hail, frost or drought can still severely affect harvests and weaken winegrowers in the face of increasingly unpredictable phenomena.
