Swiss Peak Premium AOC Merlot 2005

its always a pleasure to try new "cutting edge" wines (if there is such a term for it), especially wines not from the usual popular wine producing countries. Today's wine flavor of the day is a Swiss wine from the Valais region.

The Valais is the valley of the Rhone river. Protected by the Alps it borders West Switzerland in the North, Italy and France in the South. With an average of 2,100 hours of sunshine per year it reaches the maximum in Switzerland.
Typical of the Valais are the many different micro-climates, due to the complex soil structure and the local winds. The right bank of the river Rhone is directed south and profits from optimal sunshine. The constant winds can be quite strong, the influence of the southerly wind is favourable to the vines.
Chasselas (also called Fendant) provides with 45% the largest amount of the production of white wines; Sylvaner, which is sold as Johannisberg, taking second position.The other types of vines count as specialities of the Valais: Amigné, Arvine, Humagne Blanc, Rèze, Marsanne Blanche, Muscat and Savagnin Blanc (Heida). There are also Chardonnay, Riesling, Riesling-Sylvaner, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris (also called Malvoisie). In the Upper Valais old genuine types may be found, such as Gwäss, Himbertscha and Lafnetscha. The red types are Pinot Noir, Gamay, Humagne Rouge, Cornalin, Syrah, Diolinoir (a cross between Diolly and Pinot Noir) and Durize. However, from a conversation with some Swiss wine merchants, wine-makers and of course local wine expatriates, more and more local varietals are being replaced by international grapes such as Cabernet and Merlots.

Appearance

This is a dark ruby wine, with a overlying violet colour. A nice young transparent rim with dull clarity with bits and pieces of sediments. I guess it actually shows a wine-making flaw.

Aroma

Pure elegant red berry fruits with hints of pencil wood shavings. The youth really shows with its strong alcohol base.

Palate

Blackberry fruits and elegant tannins dominate the palate, with a tad bit too much tannin structure for comfort. A long but rather harsh tannic finish because of its age i guess.

Conclusion / Evolution

ok, the wine tastes fantastic when it is chilled at 12 degrees, but as it gets warmer, it gets harsher and more tannic, i guess due to its cooler climate origins. Unfortunate to note that sulphur is pretty high for this wine, but still a decent drink!