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Valais Synonyms: Returning Labels to Varieties—A Comparative Perspective
Read geography, grape resources, and production processes separately.
Fendant
Chasselas
Heida / Païen
Savagnin Blanc
Johannisberg
Silvaner
This is a schematic diagram summarizing the main text. It does not represent production areas or quality rankings. Sources and reference materials
FIELD NOTE 01
Fendant and Chasselas
Fendant in Valais leads to Chasselas. Lining it up with Chasselas from Vaud is good practice for working back to the variety from different names. However, do not treat Fendant as a name to be freely used for Chasselas wines worldwide, but remember it as an indication for Valais.
FIELD NOTE 02
Heida and Païen
Heida, also known as Païen, is Savagnin Blanc. The name Heida is used in the Upper Valais. It is a different variety from Sauvignon Blanc, despite their similar names. This also connects to the wines of the Jura.
FIELD NOTE 03
Pitfalls of Johannisberg
The Johannisberg of Valais refers to Silvaner. Even if the famous region and producer in Germany with the same name make you think of Riesling, here the variety is different. Making notes with columns for country, region, label name, and variety helps prevent this confusion.
In Valais, this refers to Silvaner. Confirm the region before matching synonyms with varieties.
PAUSE & REFLECT
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Should Johannisberg of Valais be judged as Riesling?
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In Valais, this refers to Silvaner. Confirm the region before matching synonyms with varieties.
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Sources and reference materials
These are the reference materials for the main text. For details of production regulations, consult the current documents. For individual wine specifications, refer to materials for the relevant vintage.
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