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For the first time, a Swiss wine obtains 100 points on the Robert Parker scale

The Robert Parker Wine Advocate, an influential publication in the world of wine, releases its report on Swiss wines and, for the first time, a Swiss wine was awarded the maximum 100 points. This award-winning wine from Domaine Marie-Thérèse Chappaz is a sweet white wine: Grain par Grain Petite Arvine Domaine des Claives. In addition, this year, of the 281 Swiss wines tasted, 27 obtained more than 95 points, which means that they are classified among the “Extraordinary” wines according to Robert Parker.The Robert Parker Wine Advocate is one of the largest and most influential publications in the international wine world. For this review, some of the top wine journalists taste wines from around the world. For the eleventh year, Stephan Reinhardt, responsible for Switzerland, tasted 282 wines from all of the Swiss wine regions, more precisely the 2020 and 2021 vintages.For this 2023 edition, more than 280 wines from 67 Swiss winemakers were tasted (30 from German-speaking Switzerland, 14 from Valais, 8 from Ticino, 9 from the Trois Lacs region, 5 from the canton of Vaud and 1 from Geneva). The excellent Swiss results demonstrate the quality and know-how of Swiss producers. Among the 281 wines, 216 obtained more than 90 points. On the Robert Parker scale, wines between 90 and 94 points are classed as “Outstanding” and more than 95 points as “Extraordinary”. All the results are published on www.robertparker.com“I find that among the 2020 vintages many wines are very fine, elegant and supple. In Ticino, for example, the tannins are exceptionally fine. In 2021, the vines had to withstand adverse weather conditions. As a result, the wines are more racy, spicy and long-lasting; it is better to let them age for a few more years in the cellar” according to Stephan Reinhardt, journalist and Robert Parker reviewer for Switzerland.As for Nicolas Joss, Director of Swiss Wine Promotion: “The level of Swiss wines continues to rise. These high-level results confirm the position of excellence held by Swiss wines at international level. Swiss wines are able to compete with the most prestigious names thanks to their high quality. Switzerland can be proud of its vineyards.”On 11 and 12 March, the public will have the opportunity to taste some of the highest-rated Swiss wines at the “Matter of Taste” event at the Dolder Grand in Zurich. For this fifth edition, Swiss Wine is delighted to renew its partnership with Robert Parker. The Zurich edition of “Matter of Taste” has become one of the most important meetings in the world for professionals. This partnership aims to strengthen the positioning of Swiss wines on the international scene and to strengthen the brand image of Swiss wines.Do not miss this exceptional tasting, information and reservations on www.events.robertparker.com

Thursday 16 Mar 2023

Press release

Switzerland’s most exciting wines are finally coming to the u.S.

A new wave of U.S. importers is turning its attention to the tiny Alpine nation—and the results are proving well worth the wait.Despite sharing borders with such viticultural heavyweights as France, Italy, Germany, and Austria, and boasting an equally storied wine culture, Switzerland’s reputation as a purveyor of cheese, chocolate, and complex financial instruments has always eclipsed its standing as a producer of fine wine.      A tiny Alpine nation whose wine industry is composed of thousands of small, independent growers who earn their livelihoods tending the perilously steep, low-yielding slopes of its six unique growing regions, Switzerland ekes out barely over one million hectoliters of wine per year. Compared to Italy’s 50 million hectoliters, or even Germany’s eight million, that amounts to a minuscule quantity—less than half the amount necessary to satisfy domestic demand. As a result, the Swiss maintain a time-honored tradition of consuming the bulk of their wine within their own borders, with fewer than two percent of the country’s output earmarked for export. It should therefore come as no surprise that Swiss wine has never commanded more than a marginal presence in the U.S. market. According to Neal Rosenthal, the founder of Rosenthal Wine Merchant, one of the first U.S. importers to introduce estate-grown, small-production Swiss wines to American audiences, several related factors have conspired to perpetuate this chronic lack of visibility—not least of all, the wines’ scale of production, unfamiliarity, and price. Read the full article

Wednesday 25 Jan 2023

Article

With swiss sparkling wines, the party is sure to be success !

“Pop!”, the festivities have started. What could be better than Swiss wines, especially Swiss sparkling wines, to celebrate the end of the year. The sparkling wines will bring freshness, exuberance and joy to your guests. To treat your guests, Swiss Wine offers a selection of sparkling wines from the six wine regions. But wait…did you know that Swiss winemakers use three different production methods? Indeed, there is the traditional method, in which the foaming takes place in the bottle (like champagne), that in a closed vat, where the effervescence is created in a vat (like prosecco) and the gasification (addition of carbon dioxide).Let's start this overview with the largest winegrowing region, the Valais. As an aperitif, choose the Mantis from St. Jodernkellerei in Visperterminen, a Muscat, Riesling-Sylvaner, Pinot Noir blend that goes perfectly with a spicy aperitif. Followed by a Blanc de Noirs from Cave Gilbert Devayes in Leytron. This 100% Pinot Noir sparkling wine will go perfectly with your white fish, shellfish or seafood dishes. The Brut du Valais Millésimé from Cave du Tunnel in Conthey, a sparkling wine made from Chardonnay, is also a perfect accompaniment to meat or fish dishes. Let's go down along the Rhône valley to the canton of Vaud. For dishes based on fish or seafood, it is recommended to choose the Péteux, AOC La Côte, from Cave de la Côte in Tolochenaz, which is an organic sparkling wine. It will delight your taste buds with its notes of red fruits, its freshness and its complexity. The Brut, AOC Côtes de l'Orbe, from Cave de la Combe Marendaz in Mathod will seduce you with its freshness and its fine bubbles. As for Lavaux’secco, AOC Lavaux, from Domaine Jean Duboux, it can be enjoyed on its own or to enhance your festive cocktails.Crossing Lake Geneva, you will arrive in Geneva where the Baccarat Brut Rosé from Cave de Genève will be the ideal accompaniment for your salmon or fresh goat cheese puff pastries. Its beautiful garnet pink colour and its notes of raspberry, pomelo and lemon zest are sure to tantalise your taste buds. For the festive period, why not try a cheese fondue with a Blanc Noir from Domaine de la République et Canton de Genève with its bouquet revealing a beautiful maturity of apple, pear and dried fruits, and on the palate, aromas of white flowers and hazelnut mixed with a touch of citrus. If you are not too fond of cheese, why not chose L'Altesse brut from Domaine de la Mermière which will go deliciously with shellfish, such as a tartare of prawns, citrus fruits and peanuts.Let's voyage slightly to the north, in the region of the Three Lakes, where you will find fresh sparkling wines with light bubbles and floral aromas that will be the perfect accompaniment to all your festive dishes. The Blanc Brut Bouvier Frères from Cave des Côteaux is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with notes of brioche, hazelnuts and red berries, perfect with cheeses at the start or end of a meal. The Cuvée des Bénédictins Brut de Mauler is a blend of Chardonnay, Colombard, Chenin and Pinot Noir that will enchant you with its notes of white flowers, elderberry, muscat and melon. It is the perfect match for fish, both grilled and in  a sauce. Finally, the Oeil-de-Perdrix Mousseux Brut from Cave du Prieuré will seduce you with its salmon colour and its notes of quince and fresh plum.German-speaking Switzerland, which can boast of sixteen wine-growing cantons, composes a complex mosaic that essentially extends along the banks of the rivers and lakes of the Swiss plateau. An ideal aperitif, the Brut de Rötiberg Kellerei originates from the Schaffhausen region. This traditional sparkling wine, a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, reveals notes of crisp apple, melon and lemon. Also from this region, the Eloise Cuvée Pinot Noir Brut from Divino will go perfectly with lake or sea fish as well as seafood. This blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay will bring freshness with aromas of peach, white flowers and exotic fruits. In the Lake Zürich region, Secco 2019 from Dreistand presents red fruit notes such as raspberry. This cru is ideally served as an aperitif or with dessert.Finally, moving to the southern slope of the Alps, Ticino offers chilled sparkling wines. As a starter, Brioso de Azienda vitivinicola Giromit is a Chasselas and Merlot blend with floral and sourdough notes. For a wine that will be ideal from starter to dessert, why not chose the Enrico I from the Trapletti winery, a classic sparkling wine with notes of citrus, fresh butter and freshly baked bread. To pair with fish dishes, the Refolo from Fattoria Moncucchetto, a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, has a beautiful structure and a refreshing palate with notes of ripe fruit.

Wednesday 25 Jan 2023

Article

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29-01Apr-May2023

Open Wine Cellars German-speaking Switzerland

The wine cellars of German-speaking Switzerland open their doors from April 29 to May 1! 200 winegrowers from all over German-speaking Switzerland invite you to visit their vineyards and enjoy their wines.The year 2023 offers the perfect opportunity to get to know your own homeland a little better. The wineries offer wine tastings, cellar tours, vineyard tours and fine local specialties.

13May 2023

Spring open cellars

Come and discover the new vintage!

27-28May 2023

Vaud Wine tourism

Open Cellars Vaud 2023

On May 27th and 28th, 2023, the six wine regions of Vaud will once again vibrate in unison for the Caves Ouvertes Vaudoises! From Chablais to La Côte, passing through Lavaux, Côtes de l'Orbe, Bonvillars, and Vully, more than 200 winemakers are eagerly awaiting the public. The purchase of tickets online grants free use of public transportation on the Mobilis network, in addition to numerous free shuttles provided by the destinations. Upon presentation of the ticket on the event day, epicureans will receive a bracelet, a tasting glass, and a CHF 20 voucher to be redeemed for 6 bottles.As a flagship oenotouristic event of the Canton of Vaud, the festival offers beautiful moments of sharing between the public and winemakers! In unique natural settings, tastings are in full swing, with the opportunity to discover a multitude of wines. The king grape variety, Chasselas, holds a special place! Local products from the Vaud terroir are offered as accompaniment for gourmets.The atmospheres are suitable for all tastes, between family cellars, large houses, cooperatives, and terroir shops, while music and entertainment enliven the entire event.

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