Cornalin
Valais's Nearly-Lost Red
Cornalin is grown in Valais and Swiss Alps.
2regions it is known for
2other names
- Tastes of
- wild berry, violet, spice and herbs
- Goes with
- game meats, alpine cheeses and dried beef
- Also called
- Humagne Rouge (different grape), Rouge du Pays
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.
For collectors
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.