My
brisk early morning walks never failed to find something new to see whether
it was a terraced vineyard, a stone bridge, magnificent flowers or
interesting song birds. It was such a pleasure to be alive!
The
Chateau Mercier definitely was one of my travel highlights but there was so
much more to come!
The VINEA Foundation
VINEA
was founded some 20 years ago with the intent of raising awareness of Swiss
wines both nationally and internationally. It does so by organizing events
such as the Swiss Wine Fair which was held recently, staging national and
international competitions and disseminating information that raises
awareness of Swiss wines everywhere.
Its
Mondial series of events which features a specific wine variety such as
Merlot and/or Pinot Noir competition from as many as 24 countries is held
in Sierre. This year they were held in April and August respectively.
The
leading international wine competition in Switzerland is the six day Grand
Prix Du Vine Suisse with some 3,000 wines by 550 producers.
The
Circle of Wine Writers attended the Swiss Wine Fair which featured over 80
exhibitors from Swiss wine regions in a two day tasting affair.
The
one thing that amazed me in the Swiss Fair event and in all the tastings
such as the one in Ticino was that the wines tasted were in the great to
superb range. The Merlot, Syrah, Chasselas, Petite Arvine, Chardonnay,
Savagnin Blanc, Pinot Noir and Cornalin to name a few were utterly amazing!
Discovery
was also there since my knowledge of “new” grape varieties and wines was
greatly widened. Species such as Garanoir, Humagne/Cornalin and Diolinoir
were unknown to me and that, plus the fact that the styles of “traditional”
varieties can be so unique, reinforced the reason why wine keeps me
involved. It is a continuous learning process that does not stop. There is
always something new around the corner. Thank you VINEA for that
opportunity.
Sierre
Of
course a by product of VINEA’s Swiss Wine Fair was the opportunity to see
the Swiss Town of Sierre. Apart from the grandiose scenery and a powerful
mountain backdrop, it has many attributes.
Sierre
is the capital of the district of Sierre within the canton of Valais. The
quaint buildings lining impeccabley kept floral draped streets certainly
made sure that one knew he was not in “Kansas” any more.
The
town had other things to offer such as a wine museum and a museum dedicated
to the memory of poet, novelist and philosopher, Rainer Maria Rilke! My
thanks Brigitte Duvillard, curator of the Rilke Foundation for the superb
tour of the museum and-----for saving my pictorial life by giving me her camera
memory card when mine refused to work!
Sierre
definitely left me with an impression and desire to return for more!
VINEA
of course has to be given kudos for organizing so many events and workshops
that publicized and promoted their product-----Swiss Wine! From the initial
welcoming experience to the wine fair to the special presentations and
VINEA “after party” at the Hotel de Ville garden the main focus was on the
exhibition of Switzerland’s Wine.
VINEA Association
A
meeting was held at Chateau Mercier between VINEA Director Elizabeth
Pasquier and the Circle of Wine Writers’ Group. At this meeting was
discussed the main philosophy and mission of the association which also
houses the secretariat of VINOFED (World Federation of Major International
Wine and Spirits Competitions).
As
described previously and generally speaking VINEA is a multidisciplinary
association specialised in the organisation of wine competitions and organises
events to promote Swiss wines.
It obviously
will be successful when one takes into account the quality of wine that is
available and also the huge amount of energy and funds that are being
accounted to this venture.
I did
have one question that still “dogs” me! It is well known that Switzerland
consumes almost all of its wine production. This is quite evident when one
takes into account the amount of Swiss wine available to the Canadian
public which is not much. The only province that has anything more than a
meagre supply is Quebec.
My question
is if the World suddenly discovers the quality of Swiss wine will that not
create a demand which will invariably result in higher prices? Will this
not rebound onto the Swiss consumer? The answer was that the whole idea was
to increase the level of reputation of Swiss wine but it should not affect
prices. Somehow I am not certain though I hope it is true!
VINEA’s
new President David Genolet who has much experience in the event’s sector
will undoubtedly have that issue in mind when he deals with enhancing the
reputation of Swiss Wine even more so!
Success of Swiss Fair
A
media report mentions that the 24th VINEA Swiss Fair was a major
success with over 6,350 persons attending with a larger group of younger
tasters and a very successful work shop attendance. At other VINEA
sponsored tastings Switzerland walked away with two thirds of the Pinot
Noir Gold Medals.
A Train Ride Through The Alps
The
Hogwarts Express had nothing on the Steam Locomotive that we were
introduced to on our final venture through Switzerland’s Alps on our way to
Lugano in the Ticino Canton. The weather and sunshine seemed to cooperate
making the trip doubly enjoyable.
On
our way to the Steam Train I noticed the village of Munster-Geschinen. I
immediately thought of Munster Cheese.
The
trip started in Oberwald where we boarded a restored 100 year old a steam
locomotive and train. There were no modern conveniences and the vintage
cars were as they were at the turn of the century. Seats were wood hard and
windows could be opened. This meant that we could take some phenomenal
pictures.
Throughout
the trip through the Central Alps the names of unique towns and
villages----some named for their products came into view; Gletsch,
Neiderwald, Muttbach-Belvedere and Tiefenbach. At Furka which name the
Steam Train adopts, we stopped for a brief lunch and drink. There I tasted
a very refreshing white Chasselas wine from the Vaud Canton. The Fleshy
village wine commemorated the Furka-Bergstrecke. Being a light bodied wine it
went well with the cheese, sausage and bread we enjoyed prior to our
continuing the trip.
The
train passed through some unbelievable scenery: snow covered mountains,
deep green cow filled valleys and hiker usable meadows.
We
did come across some areas where glaciers were supposed to be but global
warming has also affected their appearance or should I say their
disappearance.
Some
bridges that we went over were so high that rivers looked like little
streams of water upon a glass. The whole scene was majestic and
breathtaking.
I can
honestly say that I experienced different types of climate during the full
day on the trip. The climb proceeded to a maximum of over 2100 metres and
while we started out with mild temps, they slowly became cool and then
turned frosty as we approached the summit.
My
excitement grew when I actually saw the beginnings of the Rhone and Rhine
rivers here in the Alps. So many times had I heard the names of these
iconic rivers and never really thought about the fact that they originated
in the high mountain Alps.
Through
this whole experience my mind played and replayed the haunting music from
the film “Harry Potter” as one fabulous scene replaced another. It was a
very apropos thing to imagine as the views unfolded.
The
trip ended at Realp and soon we were off to the almost tropical area of
Lugano in the Ticino Canton. However
the memories of this trip will keep it alive for many years to come. It was
not just about wine or scenery but it was about the people that were with
me and those friends that I had already made and was about to make! Most of
all it was the time I had to share with a wonderful group of wine
colleagues who were proved to me that wine was more than just a beverage.
It was a total style of life! A good life at that!
Post Script! My daughter recently signed
up as a working student at a world known horse stable. In a discussion with
the stable manager the word “travel” and “Switzerland” came out.
“Have
you heard of Sierre,” he mentioned, “That’s where I’m from!”
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