Lafnetscha

The white grape variety originates from the border region Italy/Switzerland. Synonyms are Blanchier, Blantiere, Gros Gouais, Gros Gouet, Laffnetscha, Lafnätscha and Lavenetsch. The name is derived from a saying in the Valais dialect. Since the grapes tended to be harvested too early in their unripe state, the wine had to be aged longer because of its astringency and should therefore not be drunk (laffed) too young or too early. Laff-nit-scha means "don't drink already". This very old variety was first mentioned in 1627. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2004, it is probably a natural cross between Malan grape (Completer) x Humagne Blanche. The mother variety Completer was also called Großer or Kleiner Lafnetscha because of the morphological similarity and was often confused with Lafnetscha. In Switzerland, the variety is counted among the Old Growths grape variety group. The medium-ripening, high-yielding vine produces an aromatic, acidic white wine with aromas of exotic fruits with ageing potential. It is cultivated in the canton of Valais. Two hectares of vines were recorded in 2016 (Kym Anderson).

Lafnetscha - Weintraube und Blatt

Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Images: Swiss Wine Valais

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Lafnetscha

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