White wine from Valais - buy online now

The diversity of Valais white wine: discover the best varieties

Introduction to Valais white wine

Valais white wine is renowned for its diversity and quality, with varieties such as Fendant and Petite Arvine.
The Valais region in Switzerland offers ideal conditions for wine growing, with sunny slopes and mineral-rich soils.
Valais white wines are characterised by their elegant aromas and complex fruitiness.
Adrian & Diego Mathier Nouveau Salquenen is a well-known winery in Valais that offers a wide selection of white wines.
Valais white wines can be purchased and enjoyed online or directly at the winery.

Valais white wine: diversity with alpine character

The importance of white wine in Valais

Valais white wine has enjoyed an excellent reputation for decades. Valais, Switzerland's most important wine-growing region, combines unique geographical and climatic conditions with a rich tradition of winegrowing. White wines from Valais are characterised by mineral soils, sunny slopes and proximity to the Alps – a combination that brings elegance, freshness and complex aromas to every bottle.

White wine tradition meets modernity

Valais white wine production looks back on a long tradition, which today is combined with modern oenology. The focus is on authenticity, sustainability and expression. Small production volumes, careful hand-picking and an understanding of the interplay between grape variety, location and vinification characterise the style.

Soils, location and vines – what makes Valais white wine so special

The mineral-rich soils of Valais – consisting of slate, limestone, gneiss and moraine debris – shape the profile of many white wines. The steep slopes ensure optimal sunlight, while the dry air and large temperature differences between day and night promote slow ripening of the grapes. All this gives Valais wines their typical character with clear fruitiness, subtle nuances and impressive freshness.

Regional diversity – from Fendant to Heida

The Valais is rich in indigenous grape varieties that are little known in other parts of the world but all the more distinctive here. Alongside international varieties such as Chardonnay and Pinot Gris, native varieties such as Fendant, Petite Arvine, Heida, Johannisberg, Chasselas and Humagne Blanche dominate the scene.

Typical grape varieties for Valais white wine

Fendant – the classic from the Valais

Fendant, a name for Chasselas in Valais, is the most widely drunk white wine in Valais. Light, fresh and with subtle fruitiness, it is the epitome of a convivial aperitif wine. Delicate notes of citrus, white flowers and a fine mineral structure make it a classic in every respect.

Petite Arvine – full of character and unmistakable

Petite Arvine is considered a true gem among Valais white wines. Its aromas are complex, often with notes of grapefruit, rhubarb, saltiness and a pointed acidity. This grape variety is particularly expressive on the steep slopes around Salgesch. It is a delight both dry and as a late harvest wine and is considered a white wine with international potential.

Johannisberg – the gentle all-rounder

Johannisberg, also known as Silvaner, produces soft, creamy white wines with ripe fruit notes and a nutty depth. On the palate, it reveals a beautiful balance between fullness and freshness. Its elegance and versatility make it an ideal accompaniment to fish dishes or white meat.

Heida – the high alpine grape variety

Heida, also known as Savagnin, grows in the highest altitudes in Europe, some over 1,100 metres above sea level. Its wines are characterised by depth, ageing potential and very complex aromas. Notes of dried fruit, honey and herbs, paired with a fresh structure, give this white wine its unmistakable character.

Chasselas – mineral and delicate

The Chasselas grape variety produces light, delicate white wines in Valais. Delicate on the nose, with aromas of lime blossom, citrus and herbs, it offers an elegant alternative to the region's more robust white wines.

Humagne Blanche – rare and fascinating

Humagne Blanche is one of the oldest grape varieties in Valais and is only grown in small quantities. Its wines are subtle, sometimes almost reserved, but on closer inspection they reveal subtle, herbaceous aromas with floral notes. Ideal for those looking for something special.

The Adrian & Diego Mathier Nouveau Salquenen winery – award-winning white wine

The traditional Adrian & Diego Mathier Nouveau Salquenen winery in Salgesch is a prime example of the high quality of Valais winegrowing, including white wines. Various grape varieties are vinified on over 40 hectares, with a clear focus on elegance, varietal typicity and origin. Diego Mathier relies on precise cellar technology, sustainable cultivation and hand harvesting – a combination that produces white wines that have won multiple international awards.

In the white wine sector, the mineral Fendants, expressive Petite Arvine and elegant Chasselas bottlings are particularly impressive. Voted Swiss Winemaker of the Year several times at the Grand Prix du Vin Suisse, the winery also holds the title of Best Winery of the Decade. Diego Mathier's team stands for consistently high quality, a deep understanding of the terroir and wines with emotion. Countless awards at international wine competitions are impressive proof of this.

Wine and food – white wines from Valais are ideal accompaniments to food

Valais white wines are not only characterised by their quality, but also by their versatility when paired with food. Here is an overview of typical combinations:

Fendant goes well with raclette, fondue, dried meat or a Sbrinz platter.
Petite Arvine accompanies fine fish dishes such as perch or pike-perch, and harmonises with scallops or Asian dishes with a slight spiciness.
Johannisberg complements truffle risotto, veal cream sauce or creamy soups with parsnips or celery.
Chasselas is ideal as an aperitif wine or with puff pastries, pies or cold starters.
Heida goes well with game terrines, cheese platters, autumn vegetable tartlets or chestnut dishes.
Humagne Blanche accompanies delicate, subtle dishes such as artichokes, fennel or baked courgette flowers.

The combination of structure, aroma and acidity profile allows Valais white wines to accompany both traditional and modern cuisine perfectly.

Vintage and production – influence on aroma and style

The quality of a Valais white wine also depends on the vintage. Warm years tend to produce more mature, opulent wines with intense fruitiness, while cooler years produce wines with higher acidity and a tighter structure. The production varies depending on the style – from reductive vinification in steel tanks to partial ageing in wooden barrels for greater complexity.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Valais white wine

What do people drink in Valais?

In Valais, people mainly drink local white wines such as Fendant, Petite Arvine or Heida – often as an aperitif or with regional cuisine such as raclette or dried meat.

What is the most popular Swiss white wine?

The most popular Swiss white wine is Fendant from Valais, particularly due to its accessibility, freshness and wide availability.

Which white wine variety from Valais has five letters?

The white wine variety with five letters is Heida. It is considered one of the oldest grape varieties in Valais and produces complex, aromatic wines.

What is the best white wine variety?

That's a matter of taste, but Petite Arvine is internationally regarded as a top grape variety – powerful, elegant and aromatic.

Which white wine is the most popular?

Fendant is the most widely consumed white wine in Switzerland. However, Petite Arvine is becoming increasingly important in the restaurant trade.