Grape Variety
Cornalin
“Valais's Nearly-Lost Red”
Red grape
Cornalin is a red wine grape grown in Valais, Swiss Alps — known as “Valais's Nearly Lost Red”.
Cornalin at a glance
| Color | Red |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Humagne Rouge (different grape), Rouge du Pays |
| Signature flavors | Wild Berry, Violet, Spice, Herbs, Rustic, Alpine Freshness |
| Classic pairings | Game meats, Alpine cheeses, Dried beef, Mountain stews |
| Where it grows | Valais, Swiss Alps |
The Story
Cornalin nearly went extinct in the 1970s—under 1 hectare remained. Now it's Valais's most sought-after red.
Insider Story
Cornalin is NOT related to Valle d'Aosta's Cornalin (which is Humagne Rouge).
The grape needs perfect sites—too cool won't ripen; too warm loses character.
Technical Deep Dive
Medium-to-full reds with firm tannins and distinctive character.
Flavor profile: dark cherry, violets, spice, Alpine herbs.
Industry Secrets
True Cornalin is rare—perhaps 50 hectares total.
The grape requires low yields for quality.
Collector’s Corner
Investment grade C+- Auction records
- Top examples $40-70
- Blue-chip producers
- ["Marie-Thérèse Chappaz","Jean-René Germanier"]
- Value picks
- Quality Cornalin ($30-50)
- Price trend
- Rising. Scarcity drives value.
- Collector’s tip
- Buy from top producers.
Updated March 2026
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