An alpine red variety that is a specialty in Valais, this vine is no relation to the similarly named Humagne Blanche. Humagne Rouge is a hardy, late ripening grape whose planted surface has increased largely during the last 20 years. It produces a fine wine, low in tannin with a slightly wild character that is ideal with game dishes.
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
Javascript is required to view this map.
The Wine Grapes of Switzerland
Humagne Rouge
Amigne
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.
Chasselas
In contrast to its native France where it wasn’t too successful as a wine grape, the Chasselas shines in Switzerland. Basically neutral in character, it reflects the nuances of the terroirs where it’s grown. Chasselas may be one of the first grape varieties ever cultivated and is one of, if not the dominant wine grapes grown in Switzerland.
He who loves not wine, women and song remains a fool his whole life long.
Martin Luther
