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The Grand Prix du Vin Suisse is to Switzerland as the Oscars are to the world of film: the coveted prizes are awarded at a gala and there are great emotions – especially this year.
The hero of the evening was Diego Mathier (48) from Valais: His Nouveau Salquenen winery produced the winning wines in three categories, achieved further podium places and was honored as “Winery of the Year” – for the third time. Even for Mathier, who is used to success, the gala evening in Bern was overwhelming: “We were able to receive seven prizes, there has never been anything like it at the Grand Prix!”
When he came second in the “Red Assemblages” (wines made from different varieties) with Folissimo and first with the Cuvee rouge Rosmarie Mathier – both from the 2015 vintage – he was soiled by his wife Nadia (48). Her good nose is just as important for the success as oenologist Cédric Leyat (54), emphasized Mathier. “For us Valaisans, nature and mountains are the inspiration,” he said, comparing the wine quality to the Matterhorn: “When we first won the title, we were at 3,000 meters, now we’re at around 4,000 meters – but the Horu is at 4,478 meters.” Mathier probably still has a lot planned. In his acceptance speech, he combined his plea for Swiss wine with a request to his colleagues to accept the challenge in a sporting manner: “Next year, one of you will be standing up here and I’ll be applauding.”
Not only Valais …
All of the winegrowers called to the stage by gala host Sven Epiney (46) belong to the top of Swiss viticulture. The awards from the Vinea association and the trade magazine Vinum are a tough test for them, but one that they are happy to undergo: This year, 2867 wines from various vintages from 525 producers were entered for the Grand Prix du Vin Suisse.
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