Theme travel around Switzerland. Wine and Cuisine. Part 2

Valais. Delicious wines by the Rhone Riverdelicacies. Some years ago roasted chestnuts
Sometimes the sun turns Valais into aregained their popularity. Excellent wines are also
Mediterranean country. This is one of the reasonsproduced here - for instance, local red wine is a
why there are so many wonderful specialtiestrue specialty. Those who used to love Bordeaux
produced here.are now attracted by Merlot del Ticino from the
None of the other 22 cantons can boast of suchbarrel, with its distinguished taste. Less than one
culinary richness as Valais. The reason for this isfifth of local wines are produced from other
its special microclimate and various types of soil.grape types. This list of wines includes Bondola,
The canton combines territories of aridPinot noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet franc,
Mediterranean climate and Alpine grounds. NoChardonnay, Chasselas, Sauvignon and Semillon.
wonder why the highest European vineyard (1150Merlot bianco is especially distinguished.
meters above the sea level) is located here, inWhen in Ticino, visit Fattoria l'Amorosa restaurant
Visperterminen.located on a 15-hectare terrace between Gudo
Valais is the large wine-making canton. Two fifthsand Sementina. Three hectares of its territory are
of all the Swiss wines are produced here. Thoseoccupied with Merlot, Cabernet franc, Cabernet
are around 50 various wine types, including the oldSauvignon and Petit Verdit vineyards. Local wine
ones which you can hardly find outside Valaiscellar is placed in a rock and serves as an
(such as Petite Arvine, Amigne, Humagne blanc orexcellent storage for wines.
Humagne rouge). The most famous types ofThe capital of Ticino is Bellinzona.
wine are Chasselas (made of Fendant) and PinotGraubünden. Where the wind comforts
noir. Syrah, produced at the upper arms of thevineyards.
Rhone River, is also getting popular.In Graubünden they speak German, Italian
One place to visit here is Château de Villaand Romansh. The capital is Chur. This
renowned for its wine cellar with a uniquemountainous canton was greatly influenced by its
collection of more than 500 wine types. All ofneighbours from the north and the south. That is
them are served in a special pleasant atmosphere.why there are so many delicacies here. Vine
The castle is located 15 minutes walk from Sierre(including Blauburgunder (Pinot noir), Riesling and
station.Chardonnay) wouldn't grow here without warm
A good starting point for your trip around Valais iswinds. The most famous vine types are grown in
its capital, Sion.Malans, Jenins, Maienfeld and Fläsch, but the
Ticino. Excellent wines in the south of Switzerland.only original local wine is Completer. Nowadays
In the south of Switzerland, where they speakwine-makers produce such wines as Pinot gris and
Italian, you will find palm-tress and rich Merlot wine.blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
During the old times the lands between Gotthardand Caranoir.
and Lombardy were very poor. Food served inTypical dishes, like all around the Alpine regions,
local cafes and restaurants was invented by theare simple rural ones. However, they are very
paupers of the past. Many delicacies that are nowpopular with tourists. Traditional Graubünden
well acknowledged and evaluated, were prepareddried meat, cheese, barley soup, pizokel are
of the poor assortment of products local peopledelicious.
had. Such were polenta, risotto or pesce inAlter Torkel wine bar is located 5 minutes from
carpione - marinaded and grilled fish. Rabbit, salami,Jenins in the very heart of its vineyards. Vast
mortadella ticinese (meat cut), cicitt sausages andchoice of local wines, typical Graubünden
sweet pie called Torta di pane are classic localsnacks, and a small wine-making museum.