Epesses AOC Lavaux Sursum Corda 2022

Sursum Corda is a Chasselas from the Lavaux AOC appellation, from the commune of Epesses, on the northern shore of Lake Geneva, in the canton of Vaud. Its vines cling to the famous Lavaux terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take root in clay and limestone soils. The Blaise Duboux estate, where Blaise represents the seventeenth generation of winegrowers, farms five hectares there under certified organic farming since 2018, with entirely manual vineyard work.

The Chasselas grapes are harvested at full ripeness and then vinified traditionally in stainless-steel tanks, where fermentation takes place. This oak-free winemaking aims to preserve the purity of the fruit and the natural roundness of the grape variety, while letting the clay-limestone soil of Epesses speak. The wine is bottled to be available from the spring following the harvest, ready to offer all its freshness and fruit in its first years.

This wine reveals notes of melon, pear, yellow apple, white peach, linden blossom, acacia, fresh almond and wet stone. The indulgent, fruity nose opens on a delicate floral touch. The palate proves velvety and unctuous, generously round, balanced by discreet freshness. The supple, slightly mineral finish makes it an ideal companion for aperitifs and cocktail parties.

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.