The Discover Club - July 2020
This month, we explore a lesser known (at least for its vineyards) yet classic country producing exquisite white wines. Jean-René Germanier 2016 Fendant "Balavaud" Grand Cru comes from the Vetroz appellation of the Valais region of Switzerland. And much like its neighboring countries, Switzerland includes a system of grand crus, much like this Vetroz Grand Cru from producer Jean-René Germanier.
Jean-René Germanier Fendant "Balavaud" Grand Cru 2016
Producer: Jean-René Germanier
Winemaker: Jean-René Germanier
Region: SWI, Vetroz, Balavaud
Grape Varietal: 100% Chasselas
Viticulture: organic viticulture in black shale vineyards
Method: stainless steel
Serving Suggestions: serve 40-45F
Age: drink 2020-2022
Nose: citrus peel, honey, crushed rock
Palate: ripe fruit with hints of minerality and salinity
Finish: aromatic, round and long-lasting
About Germanier
The estate of Germanier has a rich 100+ year history of viticulture in the Valais region of Austria. Urbain Germanier established this culture with his inaugural harvest in 1896 in the village of Balavaud. Today, his great grandson and great-great nephew run the organic estate producing exceptional wines from Pinot Noir, Chasselas, and other cultivars. Learn more about Germanier from the importer Schatzi Wines webiste.
“One of the key philosophies in the vineyards for Gilles and Jean-René is striking a balance between the amount of leaf surface and the quantity of grapes on the vine—an extremely important relationship when it comes to photosynthesis; more leaves means more vigor which often results in an abundance of grapes with low concentration. Leaf plucking and dropping fruit controls yields and boosts flavors. In addition to lowering yields, farming organically without the use of herbicides and pesticides, harvesting by hand and employing rigorous table sorting, these two are seeking forgotten varieties of the Valais that are awaiting rediscovery.”
Why I am Excited about this Wine
I love exploring lesser known grape varietals, and though Chasselas has a rich history, it isn’t exactly a “standard” wine on many lists. Chasselas has an intriguing history. Some authorities cite Middle Eastern and Egyptian origins; others point to the Mâcon; but the Swiss believe it came from Switzerland where it is called Fendant, which can be found in Swiss monastic records before the 16th Century. This Grand Cru Fendant shows rich citrus curd and mineral aromas with a salty palate with a hint of honey.