Grape variety
Heida (Païen)
The Savagnin blanc of the highest Valais vineyards
On Helvitic you buy your Heida directly from the Valais cellars that make it, delivered to your door (free shipping from CHF 150 per cellar) or picked up at the cellar. Heida and Païen are the same grape, Savagnin blanc: Heida in the German-speaking Upper Valais, Païen in French-speaking Valais.
It makes a full, aromatic white, grown in the Valais for a long time, notably in Visperterminen, whose vineyards climb above 1,000 metres.
Heida, Païen, Savagnin: one grape
Savagnin blanc is an old variety, the same one behind the vin jaune of the French Jura. In the Valais it carries two names depending on the language: Heida in the Upper Valais, Païen in French-speaking Valais. On a label, both names mean the same grape.
What Heida tastes like
Golden colour, ripe yellow fruit and quince on the nose, sometimes exotic fruit and gentle spice. The palate is full, carried by an acidity that keeps it fresh. Drink it young for its fruit, or after a few years as it gains depth.
What to serve with Heida
Heida loves alpine cheeses, raclette, white meat in cream sauce, fish in sauce and mildly spiced dishes. Serve it at around 10 to 12 °C.
Frequently asked questions: Heida
Are Heida and Païen the same wine?
Yes, they are the same grape, Savagnin blanc. Heida is the Upper Valais name, Païen the French-speaking Valais name.
Where does Heida grow?
Mainly in the Valais, with a historic centre in Visperterminen, above Visp, where the vines grow above 1,000 metres.
What to serve with Heida?
Alpine cheeses, raclette, poultry in cream sauce or fish in sauce. Its fullness stands up to rich dishes.