Cave de l’Hospice de Salquenen
With this new chapter in Valais wine culture, Diego Mathier is launching a new wine line with his own unmistakable signature.
The best dessert wine: sweet treats for the perfect finish
Sweet wines are common in many wine-growing regions and are traditionally served at the end of a meal with dessert or cheese.
The world of spirits: discover the diversity of spirits!
The Egyptians already knew how to distil spirits in the traditional way. And the Greeks and Romans did the same.
Introduction: Cuvée wine
In France, the word cuvée refers to both blends of several grape varieties and wines from a single vineyard.
Discover the best white wine for every occasion
In 2022, for the first time, more white and rosé wines were consumed than red wines, at just over half.
Johannisberg wine
Johannisberg is not a varietal name, but a wine name. In Valais, Johannisberg is made from 100% Sylvaner grapes.
Merlot
The Merlot grape comes from the Bordelais, a region in the southwest of France known for its many outstanding grape varieties.
Petite Arvine – the outstanding Valais wine
Petite Arvine comes 100% from Valais, where it was first grown in 1602 above Sion, the cantonal capital of Valais.
Discover Diolinoir: the Swiss grape variety with a future
The Diolinoir grape variety was bred in 1970 and is a cross between Rouge de Diolly (Robin Noir) and Pinot Noir.
Viognier: All information about the grape variety
The Viognier white wine is of course just one of many excellent Valais white wines that we have in our range.
Sparkling wine: the perfect companion for every occasion
The history of sparkling wine dates back to ancient times. Dom Perignon developed the technique of secondary fermentation in the 17th century.
Amigne – the long-established and in the truest sense of the word pleasant Valaisan
Amigne is an ancient, autochthonous grape variety that only thrives in Valais. It is considered the “home grape” of the municipality of Vétroz.
Cabernet Sauvignon wine
Cabernet Sauvignon, the most widely cultivated grape variety in the world, is distributed globally and can be found in almost all major wine regions.
Chardonnay: the versatile grape variety for every occasion
Chardonnay is cultivated worldwide and adapts well to different climatic zones. It is known for its versatility.
The best Pinot gris from Valais: discover the diversity of a classic grape variety
Pinot Gris: Originally from Champagne/Burgundy, it spread via Hungary to Germany and Switzerland.
The dazzling Malvoisie
Malvoisie is the Valais name for Pinot Gris (also known as Pinot Noir), derived from “Malvasia”, the sweet Italian grape variety.
The Ancellotta grape variety: the ideal blending partner from Emilia Romagna
Ancellotta, a noble grape variety from Emilia Romagna and a relative of the Lambrusco family, has unknown parent varieties and little distribution.
The best red wines for every taste
The oldest wine press for red wine, from Damascus, is around 8,000 years old and the oldest known of its kind in the world.
Gamaret: discover the red wine specialty from Switzerland
Gamaret is a new Swiss variety of Gamay and Reichensteiner, known for its red color and robust characteristics in viticulture.
The Chasselas grape variety – good & noble in camouflage
Whether Chasselas, Fendant or Chasselas: the grape variety adapts like a camouflage suit everywhere, absorbing all the special features of the soil and the climate.
Introduction: Syrah / Shiraz
Syrah and Shiraz are names for the same grape variety.
Depending on the production, fruity wines or tertiary aromas such as chocolate and leather are created.
The best rosé wines for every taste
Rosé wine has an ancient tradition as Vinum Clarum and Clairet. It was first officially distinguished from red wine by Napoleón III in 1860.
Fendant – the great pride of the Valais
The people of Valais did it right.
After the red Dôle (1959), they also protected the white Fendant (1966).
Heida wine
Heida is a white wine that has been known in Valais since pagan times. The name conceals nothing other than this wine full of character.
Gamay
The Gamay red wine is of course just one of many excellent Valais red wines that we have in our range.
Discover the Ermitage wine: a guide for wine lovers
Ermitage is a Valais white wine made from Marsanne blanche or Roussane. Marsanne blanche comes from the northern Rhone Valley.
The charming Marsanne
Marsanne was mentioned in 1781 and blended with Roussanne. Cultivated 80 years later in Victoria, Australia.
The best Pinot Blanc wines for every occasion
Pinot Blanc, known since the 14th century, produces an elegant wine with aromas of white citrus fruits.
Humagne Blanc / Humagne Blanche white wine
The Humagne blanc presents wine lovers with a surprisingly pure and fresh white wine with a golden yellow color in the glass.
Humagne Rouge red wine
Cornalin, from the Aosta Valley, presents itself in a deep red with fiery reflections, which earned it the name “Hell’s wine”.
Pinot Noir wine – the king of red wines
Pinot Noir, one of the oldest and most important red wine grape varieties, is considered a noble grape. It has been known since the 4th century in Burgundy, its cradle.
The best Muscat wine: discover the diversity of a classic grape variety
Muscat blanc, one of the oldest grape varieties, probably originates from Asia Minor and has historical links to Greece and Italy.
The best Silvaner for beginners and wine lovers
Silvaner is a grape variety from Austria that came to Germany in the 17th century. It was planted in Franconia on April 10, 1659.
White wine production
Wine production is also called vinification. White wine is made from white or red grapes, usually from Sept.-Oct., sometimes until Jan. (ice wine).
Cornalin | Red grape variety
Cornalin, once almost extinct, is now the most important autochthonous red grape variety in Valais and a real cult wine.
Podcast Hospices de Salquenen
The Knights of St. John came to Salgesch in the 13th century – probably because of the wine. To this day, the municipality proudly bears the Maltese cross in its coat of arms.
Valais Dôle (wine)
The first vines arrived in Valais in 1850. The name “Dôle” was originally associated with the Gamay grape variety.
Red wine production
The winemaking process is similar, but the procedures vary: White wine is pressed directly, red and rosé wine only after fermentation.
Aperitif
Before we look at aperitifs and matching wines, let’s take a look at some interesting aspects of aperitifs.
Color depth
The depth of color and clarity of a wine are decisive for its visual appeal and can indicate its quality and purity.
Chasselas tasting 2022
The 2022 vintage of Chasselas is currently being tasted at Salon Bleu in the Mathier family winery.
Fitness and vitality
The main work for the 2024 wine year has been completed. We are at the beginning of the so-called véraison.
Frost
Winter frost can occur in the Rhone Valley between December and February, with ice forming on the vines at temperatures below -20 degrees.
Spring
No frost damage until the end of May, the vines are thriving. However, heavy rainfall poses a challenge for the winegrowers.
Geisenheim – University of Applied Sciences for Wine visits Valais
On September 4, 2022, 6 Glasses 1 Bottle conquered Switzerland with the L’Ambassadeur de Domain Diego Mathier red.
Manual labor in the vineyard
Every movement in the vineyard determines the quality and character of the wine – true art that you can taste in every bottle.
Fall fairs
Autumn not only brings the grape harvest, but also a variety of autumn fairs throughout Switzerland.
Lucifer
The archangel Michael, one of seven archangels, led a battle against Lucifer and his followers who rose up against God.
Cheese fondue
Cheese fondue and Swiss wine are a culinary classic, but the preferences of fondue lovers vary widely.
Vine year
The course of a grape year varies depending on the weather. Winegrowers need experience, flexibility and patience, as nature dictates the course of events.
Wine & Cheese
Wine and cheese have a history stretching back thousands of years. From just a few ingredients, 1,400 types of wine and 4,000 types of cheese are produced worldwide.
Wine & Lamb
Lamb dishes develop their full flavor with the right wine – a perfect combination for an unforgettable taste experience.
Wine & Game
A true discovery – the perfect wine that harmonizes wonderfully with game and intensifies the taste experience.
Winepairing
The right wine for the meal – a virtually never-ending story entitled “Winepairing”.
Wine & BBQ
BBQ, or grilling, as we Swiss call it, is pure joie de vivre – the smell, the anticipation, summer evenings and convivial moments.
Departure
The finish is the taste after swallowing. Long and pleasant indicates quality, short or unpleasant indicates flaws.
AOC
AOC was introduced in Geneva in 1988 and in Valais in 1990 as an “Appellation d’origine contrôlée” (controlled designation of origin).
Appellation
The French appellation was introduced in 1935 and is the oldest designation of origin for wine in the world.
Assemblage
“Assemblage” in viticulture refers to the artful blending of different grape varieties from different sites and vintages.
Trade fairs spring 2024
The warm rays of sunshine are inviting: discover Swiss cities and enrich your trip with a visit to public exhibitions!
Vine year 2022
The 2022 vine year was frost-free, characterized by high temperatures, especially in May, which favoured the growth of the vines.
Wine year 2022
I’m reporting from our vineyard in Salgesch, “alte Sage”, to give you a brief insight into our work over the past few weeks.
New 2022 vintage
The cellaring of the new 2022 vintage in the Adrian & Diego Mathier Nouveau Salquenen cellar is in full swing.
Mushroom sauce
Fresh mushrooms such as chanterelles, porcini mushrooms and birch mushrooms are a culinary delight and herald the arrival of fall.
Top wines
A top wine is created like a top menu: with care, experience and the right timing for perfect results.
Wine Tasting
Before bottling, the wine is tasted in the cellar to assess its development in stainless steel tanks or oak barrels.
Wine harvest 2023
The 2023 grape harvest in Salgesch has begun. Muscat is harvested at Mathier and later refined into Muscat La Fiancée.
Valais 2022 wine harvest
A successful year in the Valais vineyards is drawing to a close – time to take stock of the harvest.
Vintage 2023
The first fermented juices from the 2023 harvest are tasted for quality by Diego Mathier and cellar master Cédric Leyat.
Valais nature
The impressive landscape of Valais often fascinates visitors at first glance and leaves a lasting impression.
Wine & Trail
Wine & Trail through the impressive Rhone Valley in Valais – a visit to Diego Mathier
Autochthonous grape varieties
Autochthonous is derived from the ancient Greek and means native, indigenous, originating here.
Barrique
The word “barrique” comes from the Gascon dialect word “barrica” and means barrel.
Bouquet
Bouquet comes from the French and describes the characteristic scent of a wine, reminiscent of a bouquet of flowers.
Chambrating
The term “chambrieren” comes from the French and means to bring wine to room temperature before drinking.
Decanting
The term chambrieren comes from the French and means to bring wine to room temperature before drinking.
Eau-de-vie
Eau-de-vie means “water of life” and refers to distilled schnapps made from fruit such as cherries, plums, raspberries or apricots.
Noble rot
Botrytis cinerea makes winegrowers rejoice or despair: noble rot refines wine, but early blight destroys entire vine stocks.
Stripping
Destemming is the technical term for the process in which the grapes are separated from their stalk structure, the so-called rape.
Missing tones
Off-flavors in wine are undesirable tastes or smells that can be caused by various factors.
Filling
After ageing in tanks or barrels, bottling follows: the process of filling into the final storage and transportation container.
Bottle fermentation
Bottle fermentation (method champenoise) is a complex process for producing high-quality sparkling wines, especially champagne.
Bottle sizes
Wine used to be stored in barrels, vats or tubes and was served in jugs until the glass bottle became popular in the 19th century.
Final
The “finish” in wine refers to the last impression after swallowing, including taste and mouthfeel.
Palate
The palate is decisive for the quality assessment of a wine – only here, after the eye and nose, does its full potential become apparent.
Fermentation
Fermentation is an essential process in wine production in order to achieve the desired result in the wine glass.
Tannins
Tannins in wine are important, but both too much and too little can have a negative effect on the taste.
Grand Cru
Grand Cru means “great growth”. In Valais, it denotes a particularly high-quality wine with strict cultivation and production specifications.
Durability
The key question: Oxygen is a crucial element for shelf life. It causes open wine to oxidize and change its taste, color and smell.
Vintage
The vintage of a wine is the year in which the grapes were harvested and has a significant influence on taste, quality and shelf life.
Jeroboam
Many terms for bottle sizes come from the Bible or myths, but their origin is unclear and their meaning varies from region to region.
Magnum
“Magnum” has been used for bottle sizes since the 18th century and is derived from the Latin for “the big one”.
Mash fermentation
Mash is the mixture of must, berry skins and seeds. Without destemming, stems and stalks are also included.
Maceration
Maceration is a physical process in which ingredients are dissolved from a body by soaking in liquid.
Minerality
Mineral wines have a mouthfeel or aroma reminiscent of minerals.
Nose
The “nose” of a wine encompasses its aromas in four stages, from immediately after pouring to subtle scents in the empty glass.
Nebuchadnezzar
The name Nebuchadnezzar for the 15 liter wine bottle comes from the Bible. Nebuchadnezzar II was an important king of Babylon in the 6th century BC.
Oechsle
Thanks to Christian Ferdinand Oechsle, we measure the must weight (sugar-water ratio in grape juice) and predict the alcohol content in the wine.
Oenologist
An oenologist is a scientific and technical wine expert who oversees vine cultivation, wine production, ageing and bottling.
Methuselah
“As old as Methuselah” – who hasn’t heard the saying? According to the Old Testament, the biblical forefather is said to have lived to be 969 years old.
