Grain Ermitage - Marie Thérèse Chappaz
Grain Ermitage Président Troillet 2011 - Marie-Thérèse Chappaz
Product Description:
Discover the iconic Grain Ermitage Président Troillet 2011, a biodynamic masterpiece by Marie-Thérèse Chappaz, crafted in the heart of Fully, Valais, Switzerland. Made from 100% Marsanne (locally called Ermitage) from nearly century-old vines planted by Chappaz’s great-uncle Maurice Troillet in the 1920s, this wine is a testament to the region’s granite terroir and Chappaz’s revered artistry.
Tasting Notes: This full-bodied, oak-aged white wine unveils a rich, expressive nose of dried fruits, prune, truffle, and sweet spices, with hints of mace and cedar. On the palate, it offers a powerful yet refined structure, blending generosity with vibrant minerality and a velvety texture. The 2011 vintage delivers a long, unctuous finish with floral and nutty notes, making it a perfect harmony of intensity and elegance.
Winemaking: Grown on the steep, granite-rich Claives vineyard at 450-650 meters altitude, the Marsanne grapes are hand-harvested and vinified biodynamically (Demeter-certified since 2003). Using indigenous yeasts and minimal sulfites, the wine is aged in new oak barrels for 12-18 months, enhancing its complexity and depth. This meticulous process reflects Chappaz’s philosophy of minimal intervention and respect for nature.
Food Pairings: A sublime match for creamy cheeses like Gruyère, roasted poultry, or rich seafood dishes. Its layered complexity also makes it an exceptional meditation wine for savoring on its own.
Details:
Vintage: 2011
Grape: 100% Marsanne (Ermitage)
Alcohol: ~14% ABV
Price: CHF 95.00 (75cl)
Availability: Extremely limited due to small-batch production and high global demand.
Marie-Thérèse Chappaz, a vintner hailing from Valais, Switzerland, is revered as a true luminary in the region, crafting remarkable wines that particularly shine in her exquisite sweet dessert wines and the Petite Arvine varietal, indigenous to the Valais and cultivated since 1602.
Nestled amidst the precipitous vineyards of Fully in Valais, Switzerland, her domaine spans across 8 hectares, meticulously tended to with organic and biodynamic practices. A founding member of Les Artisanes de la Vigne et du Vin, she champions artisanal winemaking with utmost dedication.
Recognitions for Chappaz's unparalleled craftsmanship have been abundant. In 2015, Gault Millau bestowed upon her the esteemed title of "icon of Swiss wine," followed by the prestigious acknowledgment as the "Lady of Wine" at the Villa d’Este Wine Symposium. Notably, in 2023, The Robert Parker Wine Advocate awarded Marie-Thérèse an extraordinary score of 100—a perfect rating—for her Grain par Grain Petite Arvine Domaine des Claives, affirming her mastery of the craft.
Marie-Thérèse consistently produces some of Switzerland's most coveted wines, sought after by discerning palates worldwide and gracing the tables of the finest restaurants across the globe.
