Where history meets character
Salgesch’s coat of arms still bears the Maltese cross today – a symbol of the village’s centuries-old wine tradition. The Hospice de Salquenen, a hostel for pilgrims and travelers, was founded by the Knights of St. John in 1325. Even then, wine was a central part of monastic life – as a cultural asset, a means of enjoyment and an expression of a deep connection with the terroir.
With the Cave de l’Hospice de Salquenen, the Adrian & Diego Mathier winery is building on this historical spirit – with wines that not only show origin, but also attitude. The new domain produces wines full of character that deliberately take a different path: more straightforward, more spirited, more grounded.
Instead of opulent elegance, the focus is on clarity, depth and the unadulterated expressiveness of old vines. The wines in this line reflect the terroir in its purest form – unadorned, uncompromising and with an independent signature.
With La Folie, the first of several planned lines is already available: including a powerful Pinot Noir and an expressive Syrah wine, both of which come from vines that are up to a hundred years old and are an instant hit. Each wine convinces with its own story, but all with the same claim: wines that are more than just enjoyment. Wines with an unmistakable and sincere Valais character.
La Folie
C’est de la folie! In French, this phrase is often used when something is absolutely amazing in a positive and passionate sense. And the new La Folie wine line from the Cave de l’Hospice de Salquenen is entirely in keeping with this motto. Five wines of uncompromisingly high quality are made from the selection of individual plots in outstanding locations. The quintet of this new wine line is deliberately given plenty of time for perfect refinement.
The new pinnacle of Valais viticulture consists of a Pinot Noir, vinified from vines over 100 years old from Gravelone near Sion, a Cornalin from Salgesch, a Syrah from the Champs Marais, a Heida from Turtmann and an Ermitage from Sion.
