A perfect dream of an alpine white with a touch of something golden. Amigne, Chardonnay, Chasselas directly pressed from Valais, Switzerland. Zero/zero.

Chèrouche

Founded in 2010 by Andrea Grossmann and Marc Balzan, the domaine spans 1.3 hectares across eight plots situated between 600 and 850 meters above sea level. The vineyards, primarily south-east facing, are planted with a diverse range of grape varieties, including Chasselas, Petite Arvine, Chardonnay, Amigne, Savagnin, Pinot Noir, Diolinoir, Syrah, and Gamay. The soils comprise schist, clay, and quartz, contributing to the unique terroir of the region.

The viticulture at Chèrouche is organic, with a strong emphasis on manual labor due to the steep slopes, which can reach inclinations of up to 38 degrees. Fertilizers and irrigation are prohibited. Instead, the vineyard employs natural treatments such as herbal teas made from wormwood, nettle, yarrow, dandelion, horsetail, and goat whey to manage vine health. The lunar calendar is also observed to guide vineyard activities.

In the cellar, the winemaking process is minimalistic and respectful of the grapes' natural characteristics. Grapes are hand-harvested and processed using a manual destemmer. Fermentation is initiated with indigenous yeasts, and the wines are aged in stainless steel tanks without the use of wood, fining, filtration, or added sulfur. This approach results in wines that are precise, fruity, and reflective of their alpine origin.

Marc and Andrea's commitment to natural winemaking and their unique terroir have garnered attention beyond Switzerland. Their wines are appreciated in top restaurants across France, the United States, and Canada. Despite their low profile and limited production, the domaine has established a reputation for producing authentic and lively wines that embody the spirit of the Swiss Alps.