Rare grape saved

A rare white grape has been saved from extinction by Swiss volunteers and a leading scientist Dr Jose Vouillamox co author of Wine Grapes. Gouais Blanc also dubbed Casanova earned new respect 15 years ago when a study found it to be the mother of all grapes.In France it has been banned many times and dubbed the peasant grape. The grape is high yeilding, producing crisp, acidic wines. But only a handful of vineyards worldwide grow the grape. One is in Switzerland's Haut-Valais area which was recently saved from being grubbed up. An association was formed to rescue and purchase the historical vineyard , 2-3 years of fundraising ensued. Since 2011 volunteers across Switzerland have spend weekends rebuilding the dry stone walls that protect the 27 hectare vineyard. The vineyard has a dozen rare varieties and was christened VinEsch.