Interview with Vanja Mathier
Interview with Vanja Mathier: The next generation of the winery on tradition, nature and the future.
Larissa Mathier in the OBT Podcast
Larissa Mathier in the OBT podcast: Between vines, numbers and digitalization – insights into the family business in Valais.
Cave de l’Hospice de Salquenen
With this new chapter in Valais wine culture, Diego is launching a new line of wines with his own unmistakable signature.
The best dessert wine: sweet delights
Sweet wines are often produced in wine regions and traditionally served with dessert or cheese.
Discover the world of spirits
Egyptians, Greeks and Romans already knew the art of traditional spirit distillation.
Cuvée wine
In France, the word cuvée refers to both blends of several grape varieties and wines from a single vineyard.
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
Merlot comes from the Bordelais in southwest France, a region known for its top grape varieties.
Petite Arvine – the outstanding Valais wine
Petite Arvine comes 100% from the Valais, first cultivated in 1602 above Sion.
Discover Diolinoir: Swiss grape variety of the 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
Viognier is just one of many excellent Valais white wines in our range.
Sparkling wine: the perfect companion
The history of sparkling wine dates back to antiquity; Dom Pérignon perfected the second fermentation in the 17th century.
Amigne – long-established and appreciated
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 is the most widely cultivated grape variety in the world and is found in almost all important wine regions.
Chardonnay: a versatile grape variety with style
Chardonnay is cultivated worldwide and adapts well to different climatic zones. It is known for its versatility.
Valais Pinot gris: the diversity of a classic
Pinot Gris: Originally from Champagne/Burgundy, it spread via Hungary to Germany and Switzerland.
The dazzling Malvoisie
Malvoisie, Valais Pinot Gris (Pinot Noir), comes from the sweet Italian grape variety Malvasia.
Ancellotta, the Emilia-Romagna specialty
Ancellotta, noble vine from Emilia-Romagna, Lambrusco relative, rare and with unknown parent varieties.
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: Switzerland’s red wine specialty
Gamaret: Swiss new variety from Gamay & Reichensteiner, known for its red color and robustness.
Chasselas – good & noble in camouflage
Chasselas, Fendant or Chasselas: the grape variety adapts flexibly to the soil and climate.
Syrah / Shiraz
Syrah/Shiraz is the same grape variety that produces fruity wines or complex aromas such as leather and chocolate.
The best rosé wines for every taste
Rosé wine, once called Vinum Clarum, was first officially distinguished from red wine by Napoleon 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, known since time immemorial in Valais, is a white wine whose name stands for its characterful taste.
Gamay
Among the many Valais red wines in our range, Gamay is a particularly recommendable one.
Discover the Ermitage wine
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
Humagne blanc: A fresh, pure white wine with a lively note and a radiant golden yellow color.
Humagne Rouge red wine
Cornalin from the Aosta Valley shines deep red with fiery reflections – hence the name “Hell’s wine”.
Pinot Noir wine – the king of red wines
Pinot Noir is one of the oldest and most important noble grapes and has been known in Burgundy since the 4th century.
Muscat: a classic among the grape varieties
Old grape variety Muscat blanc, probably from Asia Minor, historically linked to Greece & Italy.
The best Silvaner for beginners and wine lovers
Silvaner originates from Austria and was first planted in Franconia in Germany in 1659.
White wine production
Wine production (vinification): White wine from white or red grapes, harvested Sept.-Oct., ice wine partly until Jan.
Cornalin | Red grape variety
Cornalin, once almost lost, is now one of the most important red grape varieties in Valais.
Podcast Hospices de Salquenen
In the 13th century, the Knights of St. John came to Salgesch, probably because of the wine. Hospices de Salquenen show the Maltese cross.
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 is similar, but the processes are different: white wine is pressed directly, red and rosé afterwards.
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 characterize its visual impression and 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 in 2024 is done, now the véraison begins – time for fitness and vitality in the vineyard.
Frost
Between December and February, frost can damage vines in the Rhone Valley if temperatures fall below -20 °C.
Spring precipitation
The vines grow well without frost damage until the end of May, but the rainfall in spring worries the winegrowers.
6glasses1bottle – Wine talk with Diego Mathier
6glasses1bottle celebrated the success of the red wine L’Ambassadeur de Domain Diego Mathier in Switzerland on Sept. 4, 2022.
Manual labor in the vineyard
Manual work in the vineyard makes every wine special – quality and character can be felt 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 fought against Lucifer and his rebels who rose up against God’s will.
Cheese fondue
Cheese fondue and Swiss wine are a classic, but every connoisseur has their own preferences.
Vine year
The grape year varies depending on the weather. Winegrowers need experience, patience and flexibility.
Wine & Cheese
Wine and cheese combine tradition: 1,400 wines and 4,000 types of cheese are made from just a few ingredients worldwide.
Wine & Lamb
Wine and lamb harmonize perfectly: lamb dishes develop their full aroma with the right wine.
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
Wine & BBQ combine joie de vivre, fragrance and anticipation – perfect summer evenings full of enjoyment and conviviality.
Departure
The finish describes the aftertaste: long and fine is high quality, short or unpleasant indicates faults.
AOC
AOC was introduced in Geneva in 1988 and in Valais in 1990 and stands for the 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 blending of different grape varieties from different sites and vintages.
Trade fairs spring 2024
Warm rays of sunshine lure visitors to Swiss cities – spring trade fairs make every excursion special.
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 “Alte Sage” vineyard in Salgesch to give you a brief update on the 2022 wine year.
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
During wine tasting, the wine is tested 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
The Valais 2022 grape harvest comes to an end – first assessment of a successful year in the vineyards.
Vintage 2023
The first juices of the 2023 vintage are tested by Diego and Cédric to ensure the highest quality.
Valais nature
Valais nature impresses at first glance and leaves a lasting impression on every visitor.
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 describes the typical scent of a wine, reminiscent of a fresh bouquet of flowers.
Chambrating
The term “chambrieren” comes from the French and means to bring wine to room temperature before drinking.
Decanting
Decanting separates the wine from the sediment, aerates it and releases its aromas.
Eau-de-vie
Eau-de-vie, the “water of life”, refers to distilled fruit brandies made from cherries, plums or apricots.
Noble rot
Noble rot occurs in warm fall weather, increases the sugar content and makes wines sweet and long-lasting.
Stripping
Destemming is the process by which the grapes are separated from the stalk before fermentation begins.
Missing tones
Off-flavors occur in wine when undesirable odor or taste notes occur due to various factors.
Filling
After ageing in tanks or barrels, the wine is bottled and placed in its storage and transportation container.
Bottle fermentation
Bottle fermentation is a meticulous process for the production of champagne and other high-quality sparkling wines.
Bottle sizes
Wines used to be stored in barrels or tubes until glass bottles and bottle sizes became established in the 19th century.
Final
The “finish” in wine refers to the last impression after swallowing, including taste and mouthfeel.
Palate
Only the palate shows how good a wine really is – its full potential is revealed after the eye and nose.
Fermentation
Fermentation is a key step in wine production that is decisive for the taste and aroma in the glass.
Tannins
Tannins in wine are important, but both too much and too little can have a negative effect on the taste.
Grand Cru
In Valais, Grand Cru refers to wines of the highest quality that are produced according to strict cultivation and production rules.
Durability
A decisive factor for shelf life is oxygen, which can oxidize open wine and change its taste.
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
Jeroboam and other bottle sizes often come from the Bible or myths, but their origin is unclear.
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 develop a pleasant minerality that is evident in the aroma and mouthfeel.
Nose
The nose of a wine ranges from immediate aromas when poured to subtle scents that linger in the empty glass.
Nebuchadnezzar
“Nebuchadnezzar” is the name of the 15-liter bottle of wine, named after the famous Babylonian king.
Oechsle
Thanks to Christian Ferdinand Oechsle, we measure the must weight and predict the subsequent alcohol content in the wine.