AmigneSwitzerland's hidden treasure that makes sweet and dry wines with alpine character
Amigne is a rare indigenous white grape variety from the Valais region of Switzerland, with a history stretching back over a thousand years. Legend suggests it was brought to the region by Roman legions, though DNA analysis reveals it's likely a natural offspring of ancient Alpine varieties. This grape has remained almost exclusively in the hands of Valais winemakers, particularly around the village of Vétroz, where it thrives in the warm, dry mountain climate.
What makes Amigne truly special is its versatility—it can produce bone-dry whites, off-dry expressions, and lusciously sweet late-harvest wines. The grape's thick skins allow it to hang on the vine late into autumn, concentrating sugars while maintaining refreshing acidity. Despite its excellence, Amigne covers only about 45 hectares of vineyards, making it one of Switzerland's best-kept secrets and a true collector's wine.
How to recognize this grape variety?
Amigne offers a captivating aromatic profile with notes of ripe citrus, particularly grapefruit and mandarin orange, alongside delicate white flowers and hints of salty minerality that reflect its Alpine origins. On the palate, expect flavors of stone fruits like apricot and peach, complemented by herbal nuances of sage and a distinctive saline quality. The wine's medium to full body and crisp acidity create a beautifully balanced structure.
The grape's natural phenolic content gives it a slightly grippy texture that adds complexity. Dry versions pair wonderfully with fondue, raclette, and alpine cheeses, while the sweeter styles beautifully complement foie gras, blue cheese, or fruit-based desserts. The wine's pronounced acidity cuts through rich, creamy dishes, making it incredibly food-friendly.
Amigne production around the world
Here's the list of the top 1 producers of Amigne worldwide.
SwitzerlandValais, Vétroz
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Grape variety fact sheet
Origin
Switzerland


