Chappaz Grain Pinot Chamoson 2024

This cuvée comes from Chamoson, on the right bank of the Rhône, in the heart of Swiss Valais. The Champs Les Combes plot lies on limestone scree, at the foot of Alpine peaks that shelter the vineyard from the rain. The climate is dry and luminous, marked by the foehn wind and wide swings between day and night, ideal for a precise, fresh Pinot Noir.

The Marie-Thérèse Chappaz estate farms its vines biodynamically, with Demeter certification. Vinification is carried out as naturally as possible at every stage, with native yeasts. The wine is then aged for 14 months in barrel to refine its texture while respecting the purity of the fruit and the limestone imprint of the Chamoson terroir.

This wine reveals notes of cherry, redcurrant, raspberry, blackcurrant, sweet spices, menthol, violet and gunflint. Red fruit dominates a vibrant bouquet, lifted by a minty freshness. The palate is fresh and easy-drinking, with fine tannins, and ends on a saline, briny finish where the terroir takes over.

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.