Les Noces - Domaine de Chèrouche
Les Noces – Domaine de Chèrouche (Marc Balzan & Andrea Grossmann)
Region: Valais, Switzerland (Ayent, high-elevation terraces)
Grape Varieties: Primarily 100% Pinot Noir (some vintages blend in Gamay)
Vintage: 2022 (also available in 2023, 2021, etc.)
Style: Light-bodied natural red, low-alcohol (~12.5%)
Bottle Size: 75 cl (magnums available)
🌱 Viticulture & Winemaking
Hand-harvested from steep, schist-and-quartz soils at altitudes between 550–850 mCertified organic, following biodynamic practices; minimal copper and sulfur treatments5Grapes undergo spontaneous native-yeast fermentation and age for ~10 months in stainless steel, unfined, unfiltered, with no added SO₂
🍒 Tasting Notes
Glowing ruby in the glass, with vibrant aromas of fresh cherry, raspberry, and alpine florals, complemented by a whisper of forest floor minerality. The palate is silky, with fine acidity, gentle tannins, and a fresh, mineral-laced finish that captures the high-altitude elegance of the Alps . Critics praise its “purity and precision,” calling it “utterly magic” .
🍽️ Food Pairing
An ideal partner to raclette, dry-cured Valais meats, light poultry dishes, mushroom risotto, or charcuterie. Serve slightly cool (13–15 °C) to enhance its vibrancy.
🌟 Why We Love It
Les Noces showcases the soul of Valais natural wine—crafted by two passionate makers from a tiny, heroic high-slope vineyard. It’s focused, expressive, and effortlessly charming. A true alpine Pinot with clarity, restraint, and unmistakable purity—a staple for anyone exploring Swiss natural reds
The vineyard comprises eight plots, primarily facing south-east in Ayent, covering 1.3 hectares at altitudes between 600 and 850 meters. The schist, clay, and quartz soils nurture grape varieties such as Chasselas, Arvine, Chardonnay, Amigne, Savagnin, Pinot Noir, Diolinoir, Syrah, and Gamay.
Adhering to organic viticulture, manual labor is essential due to steep slopes, some reaching 38 degrees. Sulfur, copper dioxide, and herbal teas like wormwood, nettle, yarrow, dandelion, horsetail, and goat whey are used judiciously. Moon phases are observed during specific tasks. Valais' sunny, low-rainfall climate minimizes copper use against mildew.
White wines undergo manual destemming and pressing over twelve hours. Indigenous yeast cultures initiate fermentation, followed by aging and two rackings before bottling. Macerations may produce orange wines, like the amigne blend.
Red wines involve manual destemming, adding a red yeast starter, and a ten to thirty-day maceration with manual punch-downs for berry integrity. This "infusion" method enhances suppleness and finesse. New cuvées may emerge based on harvest specifics.
Winemakers Marc Balzan and Andrea Grossmann bring diverse backgrounds to their joint venture. Marc, a butler turned sommelier, explored wine in Geneva before studying viticulture and oenology in 2007. Andrea, initially a teacher, engaged in winemaking in Lavaux, transitioning from watercolors to viticulture projects. They met during the 2007 harvest, founding the Chèrouche domain in 2010. All vineyard and cellar work is accomplished by the duo with support from family and friends during the harvest.
