Fendant Coteaux de Plamont 2023

Nestled on the sunny slopes of Fully, in the heart of Valais, the vineyards for this cuvée stretch across the steep hillsides of Plamont, supported by dry-stone terraces. Facing predominantly south, these plots benefit from abundant sunshine and regular winds, ensuring healthy grape ripening. The soils, composed of schist and glacial moraine, impart a pronounced mineral character to the wine and an identity deeply connected to the surrounding Alpine landscapes.

The Fendant grapes from the slopes of Plamont are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness and then gently pressed as whole bunches. The must is clarified by gravity before fermenting slowly in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve aromatic purity and fruit freshness. Aging continues on fine lees in tanks, with measured stirring to add volume and complexity while maintaining the characteristic mineral tension of this Valais terroir.

This wine reveals notes of white-fleshed fruit , vine blossom , and fresh citrus , complemented by a mineral touch and light herbaceous accents typical of Valais Chasselas. On the palate, the wine is supple and delicate, carried by a lively freshness that prolongs the tasting, with a full yet digestible texture. The clean, saline finish leaves an impression of purity and balance, inviting another glass.

Switzerland, a country known for its majestic mountains and shimmering lakes, also boasts a rich and diverse winemaking heritage. While less famous than its French or Italian neighbors, Swiss viticulture enjoys an excellent reputation thanks to the exceptional quality of its wines. Swiss vineyards are primarily located in the regions of Vaud, Valais, Geneva, Neuchâtel, and Ticino, each offering unique climatic conditions and soils that lend themselves to the cultivation of distinct grape varieties. Valais is the largest wine-growing region in Switzerland, renowned for its aromatic white wines such as Fendant, made from Chasselas grapes, and for powerful reds like Cornalin and Humagne Rouge. The region's dry, sunny climate, combined with schist and granite soils, creates ideal conditions for these grape varieties. The Vaud region, particularly around Lake Geneva, is renowned for its elegant white wines, notably the Lavaux wines, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These terraced vineyards offer not only wines of great finesse but also spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Geneva, while smaller in terms of wine production, is dynamic and innovative, producing a variety of wines ranging from classic Chasselas and Gamay to experiments with international grape varieties. Ticino, close to Italy, is dominated by Merlot, which is vinified there as both red and white (Merlot Blanc is vinified without contact with the grape skins). The mild climate and clay-limestone soils give these wines remarkable structure and complexity. Neuchâtel excels in the production of white wines, particularly its Chasselas, but is also known for its Œil-de-Perdrix, a delicate and highly regarded rosé. Swiss wines, often produced in small quantities but with meticulous attention to detail, are primarily consumed locally or exported in small amounts, making them hidden gems for connoisseurs and wine lovers worldwide. Switzerland is a country where tradition and innovation meet in the vineyards, offering an authentic and high-quality wine experience.