Salgesch

Infobox Swiss town
subject_name = Salgesch
municipality_name = Salgesch
municipality_type = municipality
imagepath_coa = |pixel_coa=


languages = French
canton = Valais
iso-code-region = CH-VS
district = Leuk
lat_d=46|lat_m=18|lat_NS=N|long_d=7|long_m=34|long_EW=E
postal_code = 3970
municipality_code = 6113
area = 11.4
elevation = 581|elevation_description=
population = 1258|populationof = December 2002 | popofyear = 2002
website = www.salgesch.ch
mayor = |mayor_asof=|mayor_party=
mayor_title = |list_of_mayors =
places =
demonym =
neighboring_municipalities= Chandolin, Leuk, Miège, Mollens, Sierre, Varen, Veyras
twintowns = |

Salgesch (French: "Salquenen") is a municipality in the district of Leuk in the canton of Valais in Switzerland.

History

Salgesch – Salquenen: wine literally flows from these two names! Among wine connoisseurs, the largest wine-producing village of the Upper Valais has been renowned for its red wine for several centuries. By associating the name of their village with the wine they produce, the people of Salquenen have given their red wine a distinctive identity. It is thanks to the creation of this trademark that Salquenen began to flourish.

The transformation of Salquenen from a farming village to today’s wine village began after World War II. Today, there are 203 hectares of vineyards and over forty wineries. About 1,200 people live and work in Salquenen.

Coat of Arms

The coat of arms of Salquenen bears the Maltese Cross in memory of the Knights of St. John of Malta. In the 13th century, members of the Maltese Order settled in Salquenen and, in accordance with their beliefs, founded a lodging for pilgrims and travellers. The Knights of St. John remained in Salquenen for about 400 years. Though it is not documented, it is quite possible that they chose our village because of its excellent wine.

Grand Cru de Salquenen

A unique quality label. The people of Salquenen have always had a feeling for up and coming trends. As early as in 1988 they introduced the yield restrictions that are now applied all over Switzerland. In the same year they created the first Swiss Grand Cru, which caused a real sensation.

Salquenen’s wine producers are extremely strict and the requirements of the label are rigorous. Grape production is limited to 800 grams per square metre.

The sugar content of Grand Cru grapes must be above 96° Oechsle. In addition, only grapes cultivated according to the methods of the integrated production are admitted. Sugar adding, blending or maturing in barrels is strictly forbidden.

The wines must age in the producers’ cellars for at least 15 months before being presented to a national wine-tasting commission. A wine can be called Grand Cru only if it is awarded 18 out of 20 points and will then be decorated with the golden label of the commune of Salquenen.

Grand Cru wines are outstanding because of the stringent selection they are subject to. Every year, elite wine producers of Salquenen are awarded the Grand Cru label for their products.

Events in and around Salquenen

*The wine trail: The wine trail starts at the "Château de Villa" in Sierre and leads to the village of Salquenen. Taking this walk is like visiting an open-air museum. You can admire the beautiful vineyards and the nature reserve of the Raspille gorge. A splendid landscape with a large variety of vines and land under different types of cultivation wait to be discovered. Guided visit of the wine museum of Sierre and Salquenen.
*Green Lizard: One of this walks leads through the vineyard improvement project „Domaine de la Doline“ in the heart of the village. This project is unique in Switzerland and illustrates the coexistence of natural and cultivated areas. Landowners put a quarter of their terrain at disposition to maintain and develop protected areas that offer a living space to rare types of vegetation and endangered species.
*Wine symposium: The wine village of Salgesch regularly holds educational courses and symposia on various topics to do with wine. These symposia are aimed at individuals as well as associations and groups who would like to spend a half day going into a specific topic in depth. The wine village of Salgesch invites national and international guest lecturers to speak at the symposia.
*VINEA: The Valaisan wine meeting, VINEA, is held in Sierre every year in the beginning of September. This wine meeting is an absolute must for every wine connoisseur. Various attractions.
*From the vine to the cellar: Be a wine grower for just one day! Help local wine growers to work in the vineyards and learn more about their daily tasks. Accompany them to their wine cellars where they will explain the secrets of traditional and modern pressing methods. They will show you what it needs for Salquenen wine to be outstanding. Taste some of their excellent wines and take a bottle home as a souvenir!

External links

* [http://www.salgesch.ch Official website]