Amigne was brought to Switzerland by the Romans. This grape can also produce a Sauternes-like late harvest wine. These wines are ready to drink in two to three years, but some can be aged.
Oeil-de-Perdrix
Oeil-de-Perdix is the flagship wine of Neuchâtel. It is a delicate rose wine made from the Pinot noir grape and it is a Neuchâtel speciality - and has been for centuries. Unfortunately the Canton failed to protect it, and as a result you may see the name "Oeil-de-Perdix" on any rose wine from around the world.
Within Switzerland the Oeil-de-Perdix name may only be used on rose made from Pinot noir, and a good Neuchâtel Oeil-de-Perdix will have the typical Pinot noir bouquet.
As a side note, in 1975 a rose wine was made from the Zinfandel grape at the Sutter Home Winery in California. The wine got "stuck" during fermentation, making a sweet, pink wine, which met with great success and little respect. It has been referred to as the "blue haired ladies" wine.
The maker, Bob Trinchero, had wanted to name it "Oeil de Perdrix", but the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) demanded that Trinchero translate the name to avoid confusion for the American public. Since from a marketing point of view "Eye-of-the-Partridge" is fairly meaningless, "White Zinfandel" was born. White evidentially being the least confusing description for a rose.
The Wine Grapes of Switzerland
Amigne
Müller-Thurgau
Developed in Germany by Prof. Müller (from Thurgau), this early maturing white grape variety is one of the principal white grapes cultivated in German-speaking Switzerland. Produces elegant, aromatic wines when grown in cool temperate climates. In warmer locations these qualities tend to be masked by a certain heaviness and lack of acidity.
Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
The Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, is one of the oldest grape varieties still around. It’s linked to the Anathelicon moschaton grape used by the Ancient Greeks, and the Apiane grapevines of the Romans. A white grape, it’s a member of the Muscat family. The name comes from its small berry and tight clusters. it’s called Muscat Canelli in Valais, but also goes under lots of names: Muscat Blanc, Moscato Bianco, Muscat de Frontignan, Muscat de Lunel, Muscat d'Alsace, Muskateller, Moscatel de Grano Menudo, Moscatel Rosé and Sárgamuskotály. Theoretically a white grape, the Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains can also produce berries that are pink or reddish brown.
He who loves not wine, women and song remains a fool his whole life long.
Martin Luther
