Originates from Burgundy and spread through France. Originally called “Plant du Rhin” when it was brought to Geneva in the early 1900’s, and is now something of a specialty in Geneva. It was also introduced into Valais as an alternative to Johannisberg, but it didn’t fare so well and today survives in only a few small areas in Unterwallis.
Michael Broger Weinbau
Housed in a restored early 19th-Century farmhouse in Ottoberg, the 2.5 acres Broger Weinbau above Boltshausen is a wish realized for Michael Broger.
After an apprenticeship in wine technology and some hands-on experience with various independent wine producers in eastern Switzerland, Michael attended viniculture courses in Wädenswil as well as training in organic farming at FIBL. This was followed by a couple years working with H. U. Kesselring at Schlossgut Bachtobel, and lastly by a stint in New Zealand. Michael then turned his dream to reality and the first wines from Broger Weinbau were ready in autumn 2003
Viticulture
All work in the steep vineyards of Broger Weinbau is guided with an eye toward sustainability and protecting the land, so all the work is done by hand and no herbicides are used in the vineyard. Further, the use of fungicides has been reduced each year, and some parcels are managed following biodynamic principles. The results show that biodynamic farming is worth the effort.
Vinification
The pressing of the grapes is done on site where possible. After fermentation the young wine is moved to the house cellar without the use of pumps. Stored in wooden barrels it passes through the rhythm of the seasons, naturally developing, reducing acidity, and then resting until it’s time to bottle. The philosophy is to present the wines as naturally as possible and allow customers to truly experience vintage variations.
Link:
Michael Broger Weinbau Schnellberg 1
Ottoberg 8561Switzerland
See map: map.search.ch, Google Maps
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The Wine Grapes of Switzerland
Aligot
Lafnetscha
Here’s an obscure language lesson. The name Lafnetscha is derived from the local dialect. Because the grape is harvested early, it makes for a acerbic wine which should not be drunk too young. In the local dialect, the verb to drink is “gelafft”, so laff-nit-scha is drink-not-already (sort of). As to the grape, it is one of the oldest in from Haut-Valais. Almost identical to the Blachier. Please see Completer for more information.
Altesse
More appreciated on its home turf between Lyon and Lake Geneva, it thrives in Valais
Wine is sunlight, held together by water!
Galileo Gallilei
