Cave Caloz Humagne Rouge La Mourziere Les Côteaux de Sierre Valais 2020

This wonderful Swiss wine is from the Caloz family, who established their winery in 1960 when Fernand Caloz began making wine from his own grapes in the village of Miège, located directly on the valley’s Franco-German linguistic border. Fernand was really on to something special – everyone loved the wine and the rest is history. Anne-Carole and Conrad Caloz now run the show as the current vignerons and en caveurs.

Conrad Caloz follows a philosophy known locally as “Production Intégrée”, an approach designed to “protect nature and the environment.” He is a founding member of Vitival, the governing body of this viticultural movement. The rules of this system require the growers to follow a regimen of sustainable practices in the vineyards and the equipment used in the production of the wines is regulated as well. 

“La Mourzière” is a terraced slope, and the hillside vineyards are supported by manmade stone walls and produce wines of immense finesse and elegance. It's a special site within "La Mourziere," and Caloz's parcels are planted to Fendant (Chasselas), Petite Arvine, and Humagne Rouge. In Switzerland, the Chasselas grape is nearly ubiquitous and known locally as Fendant. When grown with care in the proper terroir by a serious vigneron like Caloz who prunes severely to limit harvest levels, the Fendant can produce wonderful wines with a steely character, bright acidity, exceptional length and energy. 

The La Mourzière is both fascinating and quite pretty, and really its own thing – it's a little like old-school Russian River Pinot Noir and a bit like Cru Beaujolais from Morgon, or even a little like Etna Rosso. It has a really floral nose, cherry, acacia, candied red apple, lilac, black pepper, and red cedar. The bright, silky palate produces more red cherry, rhubarb, Christmas spice, white pepper, and bouquet garni, as delicate tannins and spice linger on the extended finish. Lovely, nuanced, and really delightful for the price!