1313 – First mention of grape varieties in Valais

Before this date there is no written trace of the names of grape varieties in Valais. Documents from the Middle Ages simply mention red wine or white wine, without any precise information about the particular plant. A register of official acts in Latin, the “Anniviers Register”, mentions for the first time in 1313 a payment in kind with Humagne and Rèze grapes. But the question remains: why did the Anniviers Register scribe mention the names of grape varieties when these were not named in any sales or purchase documents written up before the 16^th century?

First mention of grape varieties in 1313, Neyrun, Humagny & Regy. Photo J Vouillamoz