Chèvre (wine)

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Served in a glass

Chèvre (French for goat ), also Bauernschampus ( French Le champagne des paysans ), is an alcoholic drink based on wine that is produced in parts of the three Swiss cantons of Geneva , Vaud and Valais . South of it in the French Savoie there is a similar production method.

Chèvre is made from grape must , here called Moût. In Valais, apple cider should also be used instead of wine . This “ Sauser ” is poured into 20 liter barrels together with some vanilla sticks , some rice flour and some grape sugar , stirred and tightly closed. Some winemakers also add up to half a bottle of kirsch . Each family can use different ingredients. After a month at the earliest, usually around Christmas , the strongly foaming drink is served.

The wooden barrels have to withstand a very high pressure of up to 6 bar . They are therefore built to be particularly stable with extra reinforced steel straps and equipped with a more robust tap. Alternatively, stainless steel is used. The taste of the drink is reminiscent of cocktails . It is described as very fruity, airy and tastes like a bitter grape. The hints of vanilla and cherry are also noticeable. The steel barrel-stored Chèvres, on the other hand, are more radiant and less differentiated.

The etymology is controversial. One suspects either the white, frothy emanation from the barrel and the long foam formation in the glass with extremely small carbon dioxide bubbles, which looks like goat's milk, or the noise when the barrel valve is opened and when it flows into the glass, which is like the noise when Milking stops when goat milk splashes into the milking bucket.

The production is not controlled by the state; the product is not classified as sparkling wine and must therefore not be placed on the market. It is only intended for personal consumption. Production in this way has been documented for generations. Even if it is only a marginal phenomenon in the winery, it is still considered a regional, intangible cultural asset .

literature

  • Paul Imhof, Hans-Peter Siffert: Perlage Geneva style. In: Swiss Wine Magazine . Special supplement Genève , 1-2016, Swiss Wine Connection, Zurich, pp. 8–9

Web links

  • Boisson "La chèvre" , with a recipe for 40 liters, a corresponding vessel provided, at vins-tourisme-terroir (fr)