Plant Robez AOC Lavaux 2022

Plant Robez, or Plant Robert by its old Vaud name, is a "fine" Gamay, a rare and historic variety considered the oldest red grape of Lavaux. The Blaise Duboux estate grows it on the light soils of the Epesses appellation, in the heart of the Lavaux terraces overlooking Lake Geneva, in the canton of Vaud. The first wine to hold a traceability guarantee, it carries the authentic identity of this terroir, farmed under certified organic agriculture.

The grapes, from hand-worked vines, are harvested at full ripeness before being vinified in 600-litre oak demi-muids. These large vessels provide gentle oxygenation without marking the wine with heavy oaky notes, and allow the grape to gain flesh while preserving the brightness of its fruit. The estate recommends waiting about a year before tasting it, so that it reveals its full spicy dimension and depth.

This wine reveals notes of red cherry, morello cherry, raspberry, blackberry, black pepper, clove, violet and forest floor. The fruity, racy nose is adorned with marked spice. The palate is fleshy and rich, supported by fine tannins and well-judged freshness. The peppery, persistent finish calls for red meats and slow-cooked dishes.

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.