Lucas Madonia / Timothée Place
Valais looking North .. Massif du Mont Blanc.
I recently took a trip to Ayent to visit and meet with the Domaine du Cherouche acolytes Lucas Madonia and Timothée Place during the Cave Ouverte du Valais. Unfortunately, only a few natural vignerons opened their doors for this event. Personally, I find visiting caves solo to be quite awkward, and I know I'm not alone in this feeling. Last year, during a trip to Beaune, I met some Japanese and South Korean importers who also feel uncomfortable visiting caves solo, as it feels like monopolizing precious time.
Despite this, I headed off to Ayent again, located in the middle part of Valais on the sunny, eastern-facing granite and calcite gentle slopes. With over 300 days of sunshine a year and natural protection from frost in the winter, this region is the epicenter of the Swiss natural wine movement. It's home to notable names like Mythopia, Domaine de Cherouche, Lucas Madonia, and Timothée Place. Most tend the vines rented out gradually by Marc Balzan and Andrea Grossmann of Domaine de Cherouche as they look to farm the plots closest to their home.
Lucas Madonia
Lucas Madonia , a young burgandian based in Ayent , Switzerland ,
and now tending some 2 Ha off Domaine de Cherouches ex vines. Some quite steep parcels that can only be farmed by hand.
After working in the Jura with Tony Bornard and then with Marc Soyard at Domaine de la Cras in Burgundy, it was during a trip to Switzerland that he fell in love with the place that would allow him to create his first wines. Settling in Ayent near Sion, he cultivates 1.7 hectares of vineyards with a blend of Burgundian heritage and diverse influences.
Since arriving in 2022, his commitment to natural practices and indigenous yeasts has allowed him to create exceptional wines that capture the essence of this unique alpine terroir.
The vineyards of Cherouche, Tsampon, Saviese, and Ayent are cultivated in the most natural way possible. The wines are vinified with indigenous yeasts and without additives.
The climate in Valais is highly sunny with little rainfall enabling the use of copper used to prevent mildew
Destemming is by hand , Macerations last 25 days on average.
Aging takes place in old Burgundy barrels from 228L to 600L.
The whites are pressed on the day of the harvest then sent in 400L barrels.
August bottling is done by gravity from the barrel itself.
Timothée Places’s Cave in which Vinifaction for both Lucas and Timothée. A perfect size for small but sufficient .
their expertise in organic vine cultivation, a practice they've embraced almost from the start, along with their deep knowledge of the Valais terroir.
They also provided me with essential technical and logistical support.
MARC BALZAN AND ANDREA GROSSMAN
Throughout his training, giving Timothée manages his first plots in the commune of Ayent, specifically in Cocagne and Echert.
Burgadian Demi Muds for which all 2023 and onward cuvees are in.
Bottle Worship - Friends of Lucas and Timothée chilling in the Garden
Florian Besse
Plan-Cerisier, located in the scenic terraced slopes above Martigny, is a vineyard currently managed by the Daughters of Florian Besse. The vineyard, which is now in its fourth generation, is dedicated to producing high-quality biodynamic wines. Over the years, the vineyard has expanded its range of cuvees to include an increasing number of unsulphated wines, reflecting a commitment to natural winemaking processes.
Certified organic since 2022, Plan-Cerisier has adhered to organic farming practices for many years before obtaining formal certification. The vineyard's parcels are scattered across the terraced slopes, where the soils are primarily shallow and derived from the breakdown of crystalline bedrock originating from the Mont Blanc and Arpille massifs. This unique terroir contributes to the distinct character and quality of their wines.
The only cave open to the public offering natural, unsulfated wines, now in its fourth generation under vigneron Florian Besse, is located in Plan du Crisie, with small parcels scattered on the slopes above Martigny.
Fendant Orange stood out, while the Syrah was also lovely, having tasted it at the Salon du Vin Nature Suisse last August and again here.
The reds are priced at a hefty 38 CHF.
The offerings include Gamaret, Syrah (the standout red), Gamay, Fendant, Fendant Orange, and a Pet Nat.
