Valais

Thierry Constantin is a craftsman-winemaker who has been lauded by Gault & Millau as one of the best winemakers in Switzerland.  He has been producing unique wines in the Valais region of Switzerland since 1995.  The domaine, situated in Pont-de-la-Morge in the Sion district and about 81 km south of the capital Bern, spans 7 hectares with the vineyards mostly situated on terraces and hillsides on the right bank of the Rhône.  The majority of Constantin’s plots of land are situated in the municipalities of Vétroz and Sion.

Constantin’s philosophy of production is above all to understand and be in tune with the vine and to obtain balanced grapes with dense aromas. The result of his precise attention to detail and un-flagging perseverance is shown in the excellence of his product.  He believes in using the human touch over machines when tending to his vines, and his handling of the grapes is tailored to each distinct varietal to preserve each one’s unique character.

Both red and white varieties are planted here, many of them indigenous to the Valais region:

VÉTROZ:

“Raffort” lieu dit (planted with Petite Arvine)

“Plan des Vignes” lieu dit (planted with Viognier)

“Planty” lieu dit (planted with Amigne, Cornalin)

SION:

“Les Maladères” lieu dit (planted with Viognier)

“Corbassière” lieu dit (planted with Merlot, Syrah, Petite Arvine, Cornalin, Cabernet-Sauvignon)

“Molignon” lieu dit (planted with Pinot Noir, Gamay, Johannisberg, Merlot)

“Beauregard” lieu dit (planted with Sauvignon Blanc, Païen – Heida, Pinot Noir)

Terroir: Composed of moraine, schistose (Ayent), Limestone-dominated shale (Conthey)

Vineyard Plots: Grapes from three different plots go into making this wine: “Maneau” Commune d’Ayent – 650 m – 12,000 vines/ha; “Conthey” Commune de Conthey – 600 m – 11,000 vines/ha

Exposition: South

Grape Variety: 100% Chasselas

Average Age of the Vines: 18-41 years old

Harvest: Manual

Yield: 70 hl/ha

Vinification: Direct pressing, thermo-regulated fermentation, regular battonage up until February, light filtration.

Aging: 9 months in stainless steel tanks. Bottled at the domaine.

Alcohol: 12.0%

Tasting Notes: This is an excellent aperitif wine – dry, lively, and well-rounded, with aromas of wildflowers and flint. Tonic and mineral on the palate.

Food Pairings: Goes well with aperitifs, cheese, and freshwater fish.

Serving Temperature: 7-9°C

Terroir: Corbassières – Terraced vines, dry and stony soil, schist and slates; Raffort – Terraced vines, Dogger black clay schist.

Vineyard Plots: Corbassières (Commune of Sion – 490m, 12,000 vines/ha); Raffort (Commune of Vétroz – 500m, 12,000 vines/ha)

Exposition: South

Grape Variety: Petite Arvine

Average Age of the Vines: 8-28 years old

Harvest: Manual

Yield: 45 hl/ha

Vinification: 24 hour skin maceration, thermoregulated fermentation, regular battonage until February, absence of malolactic retrogradation, light filtration.

Aging: 9 months in stainless steel vats. Bottled at the estate.

Tasting Notes: Intense golden color, nose with aromas of ripe fruit (pineapple, passion fruit) notes of fresh rhubarb and wisteria. Full and powerful palate, saline and invigorating finish. Lingering with notes of iodine and fresh grapefruit.

Food Pairings: Pairs well with seafood like sushi and sashimi.

Serving Temperature: 7-10° C