There is no grape variety called Dôle. The Geneva botanist Augustin Pyramus de Candolle gave the name “Dôle” to the Gamay grape variety from the French town of Dole (Jura department) in the early 19th century. The first vines arrived in Valais in 1850. The name “Dôle”, originally associated with the Gamay grape variety, later came to refer more to Pinot Noir (also known as Pinot Noir), before the name finally came to refer to the Valais fusion of the two grape varieties.
Dôle red wine – the Salgesch wine from hell
Anyone who loves wine knows the Valais Dôle. It is a wine that no restaurant or shop shelf should be without. As an AOC Valais wine, it is only harvested and vinified in Valais. The Dôle grew up in Salgesch – now it is experiencing a rebirth.
Dôle – the most famous red wine in Switzerland
The term “Dôle” is therefore the reserved name for what is probably Switzerland’s best-known red wine. Dôle is a red assemblage (blend or combination of different red wine varieties or sites or vintages) – until 2021, a ratio of at least 85 percent Pinot Noir and Gamay grape varieties was prescribed for the Dôle AOC Valais.
Dôle – with a new recipe since April 2021
At the request of the Valais Wine Association, the Valais State Council changed the recipe in April 2021. It accepted the industry association’s request to reduce the proportion of Pinot Noir and Gamay to 51%. However, the proportion of Pinot Noir must continue to predominate in this unique blend. This gives winemakers more freedom in blending.
At the same time, it promotes other red grape varieties (Syrah, Humagne rouge and Cornalin). Another reason for the new recipe is the changing tastes of the younger public. From the 2021 vintage onwards, the new regulation gives wine producers the choice of retaining the previous recipe or adapting it to the new criteria.
Dôle – under strict supervision
Valais law stipulates a minimum must weight of 83° Oechsle and yield limits of 0.8 kg per m2 or 0.86 liters per m² for the Dôle or Pinot noir AOC du Valais, and 91.9 °Oechsle and 0.8 kg per m2 or 0.64 liters per square meter for the Dôle or Pinot noir Grand Cru or GC du Valais. All Dôle Grand Cru grape varieties meet the requirements for Valais red wines in the Grand Cru category.
Dôle – the Salgesch hell does it
The legend tells the story of knights who once visited the Knights of St. John in Salgesch. They were offered wine from their own vines. It was so good that some of them were too thirsty. When the gentlemen wanted to leave again, they no longer knew what was in front and behind the horse. Astonished, they asked: “What kind of wine have you given us, it’s a real wine from hell.” This is where the wine from hell got its name.
Dôle – the Pinot Noir blood of hell from Adrian and Diego Mathier
The sun-drenched vineyard in the municipality of Salgesch, from which our Dôle “Sang de l’enfer” originates, is registered in the land register as “Hölle” – one of the very best vineyards in the wine village of Salgesch. The calcareous and magnesium-rich soils form the ideal basis for cultivating Pinot Noir. Lower yields as well as an average sugar content of 81° Oechsle are prerequisites for the Dôle de Salquenen. Prolonged fermentation is carried out under optimum temperature control and the wine is aged in tanks for 6 months.
The flavor profile of Dôle AOC Valais
The Pinot Noir grape variety gives the “Sang de l’enfer” the necessary breed, noblesse and its inimitable bouquet, while the Gamay grape variety is responsible for the fruitiness and structure of this elegant red wine.
Enjoyment and storage
The Dôle impresses with the combination of flavors from the two grape varieties in combination with different dishes and is suitable for a wide variety of occasions. It is an excellent accompaniment to white meat dishes such as poultry. Due to its tenderness and freshness, it is also a discovery for many in combination with veal and pork. It is also excellent with cold cuts, specialties from the Valais such as mountain cheese and dried meat specialties, and masters dishes such as pasta in sauce or hearty brewery dishes just as well. Like all other wines, it should be stored at a constantly cool temperature of 10 to 15° Celsius. We recommend storing it in a dark place to prevent premature ageing of the Dôle due to light.
Interesting facts about the Valais Dôle
Is Dôle a grape variety?
No, Dôle is not a grape variety in its own right. As with the white wine Johannisberg, it is just a wine name. Dôle is a cuvée made from the red wine varieties Gamay and Pinot Noir.
Is Dôle blanche white wine?
No, the Dôle Blanche is a typical Valais rosé wine made from the same grape varieties as the Dôle. Unlike a red wine, however, it is pressed immediately, i.e. the maceration time is very short. For this reason, this wine only has a hint of rosé coloration.
What kind of wine is Dôle?
Dôle is a fruity and noble red wine at the same time. It owes its racy, noble character and distinctive bouquet to the Pinot Noir grape. And the Gamay grape refines the blend on the palate with its typical notes of fruity aromas and inimitable robustness.
