Pinot Noir
About this grape variety
Pinot Noir is the most widely planted grape in Valais. It was introduced in the middle of the 19th century by the canton’s governing council in order to regenerate the wine industry, which was going through a period of transition. Long reflection had led to this move, which resulted in a spectacular increase in the area planted.
Note that Pinot Noir, an early harvest variety that supports both dryness and cold, was bound to succeed in Valais: it gives birth to very varied wines, reflecting the enormous diversity of the terroirs. Pinot Noir is particularly successful in the area around Salgesch/Salquenen and Sierre, with their very active chalky soils. It has also succeeded admirably on the left bank of the Rhone where the time needed to mature is somewhat longer, perfect for the development of this grape’s complexity and fresh aromas.
It provides structure, classiness and elegance to Dôle when it is blended with Gamay. Thanks to ambitious vinification, Pinot Noir has provided some magnificent wines in recent years, especially if matured in oak when the yield has been mastered.
This has become one of the best red Valais wines whose best vintages are capable of aging well (five to eight years).
Pinot Noir
1302 ha out of 4675 ha, or 27.85%
Tasting profile
305 wine producers cultivate this grape variety
Find a cellarwine cellars
Taste this grape variety
Saillon
18 wines from this cellar
Cave Pierre-Antoine Crettenand
Pierre-Antoine Crettenand currently operates 8 hectares of vines from which he chooses the grapes for the production of 30,000 bottles.
Flanthey
10 wines from this cellar
Cave du Mont de Lens
Cave Mont de Lens produces 11 vintages from 10 grape varieties, the majority of which are Valais’ signature varieties such as Petite Arvine and Cornalin.
Riddes
16 wines from this cellar
Cave des Ponts
Christophe Laurenti's love for his vines and the moderate size of his estate give rise to personalised products with a unique character.
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