Winter Cave Visits in Valais
A visit to Marie-Thérèse Chappaz and Domaine de Chérouche is more than just an exceptional wine tasting in a stunning alpine setting—it’s a masterclass in hospitality
I was really looking forward to this , and as always, the event remained an unpretentious yet refined affair. In true Valaisan spirit, there was no room for pretense—after all, the Valaisans have long been considered the rebels of Switzerland. Carefully curated selections of cheese, bread, and wine created a sensory experience like no other.
The tasting featured an array of hand-selected cheeses sourced from the finest alpine pastures across Switzerland and the French Alps. Accompanying these were ancient grain breads, crafted by hand to enhance the flavors of the cheeses. And, of course, the spotlight was on the latest autumn releases from the renowned winemaker Marie-Thérèse Chappaz.
A Thoughtfully Curated Experience
Pairing the right bread with a perfectly matured cheese requires meticulous attention to detail, and these tastings were no exception. The festive atmosphere, enhanced by the proximity to Christmas, added to the charm of the event. For three weeks, from the end of November until just before Christmas, visitors were invited to explore these expertly curated pairings.
Marie-Thérèse Chappaz, a revered name in the world of biodynamic winemaking, offers a diverse range of wines. While she produces one true "zero-zero" natural wine—unfiltered, unsulfured, and completely untouched—the rest of her wines follow biodynamic principles, with minimal sulfites and gentle filtration. All her wines carry Demeter certification, ensuring the highest standards of organic and biodynamic farming.
Chappaz’s approach embodies the essence of natural winemaking: native yeasts, biodynamic treatments, and meticulous handcrafting. Her vineyards are plowed by horse, tended with herbal infusions made from plants grown around the vines, and hand-harvested with precision.
However, the challenges of nature persist. A devastating frost in April last year resulted in significantly reduced yields, a recurring issue in Valais.
Highlights of the Autumn Tasting
Among the standout wines featured this season were:
Au Fils des Treilles – A blend of Petite Arvine, Sylvaner, Marsanne, and Chasselas, with a touch of Pinot Noir. Crisp, fresh, and easy to drink, this aromatic and mineral-driven wine was a crowd favorite.
Assemblage Blanc – A blend of Petite Arvine, Sylvaner, and Marsanne, aged for 12 months in natural oak barrels. This wine offered greater depth and roundness compared to Au Fils des Treilles.
Grain Pinot Charrat 2023 – A standout from Chappaz, this vintage impressed with its rich texture and a long, smoky finish.
A Visit to Domaine de Chérouche
A trip to Domaine de Chérouche in Ayent, Valais, brought further insight into the challenges faced by local winemakers. Marc Balzan and Andrea Grossmann shared their struggles, having lost 75% of their harvest due to frost. This unfortunate reality means extremely limited production for the upcoming year.
Despite these setbacks, the region is seeing a wave of young and passionate winemakers emerging from Domaine de Chérouche. Names like Lucas Madonia and Timothée Place are making their mark, farming vineyards on the steep slopes of Ayent. While vineyard leases remain relatively affordable at around €5,000 per hectare per year, the terrain presents immense challenges—everything must be done by hand, with horses replacing machinery for plowing.
Next years hits from Domaine de Chérouche.
Le Lots – A blend of Chasselas, Chardonnay, Petite Arvine, and Paien. This wine stood out with its fruit-forward profile, balanced minerality, and a slight sweetness on the finish. Unfortunately, only seven cases were produced this year.
Tsampon – Though details were scarce, this wine contributed to the diverse and compelling selection presented at the tasting.
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