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).

Information

  • Nose

    Small young red fruit (strawberry, raspberry), subtlety and elegance; the fruit can be riper and offer an impression of wet leather, tobacco, dead leaves, forest floor.

  • Palate

    Intense fruity, coated with natural glycerin and noble tannins

  • Etymology

    From pine: the bunches of grapes resemble pine cones

  • Origin

    Appeared in Valais in 1848 and bore the name Dôle until 1942

  • Ancestry

    Parent-offspring relationship with Savagnin. Numerous descendants, for example Chardonnay, Gamay, etc.

Pinot Noir

1302 ha out of 4675 ha, or 27.85%

Tasting profile

Fruity

Floral

Medium-bodied

Fresh

Dry

Semi-sweet

Not sweet

305 wine producers cultivate this grape variety

Find a cellar

wine cellars

Taste this grape variety

Raron

10 wines from this cellar

Weingut Cipolla

The vinification process seeks out delicate aromas and a balance of flavours, with the aim of producing authentic wines with a strong personality.

Ayent

15 wines from this cellar

Cave François et Mathieu Constantin

The operation will expand over time but the quality and service of the Constantin family will always be their priority.

12 wines from this cellar

Ô Fâya Farm

Ô Faya Farm, in the heart of Aven, in old vaulted cellars. Authentic wines, tradition and modernity.

Your tasting profile

Select your favourite type of wine or indicate what you are looking for in a wine and find out which Valais wine is right for you.

apricots, citrus fruits, exotic or red fruits, almonds, etc.Fruity

violet, elder, lime, rose, etc.Floral

low in alcohol, low in tanninsLight

Medium-bodied

intense alcohol, acidity and aromasFull

dominated by acid, which gives the wine a fresh appearanceCrisp

Fresh

without acidity, round, smoothSoft

no residual sugarDry

Semi-sweet

mellow wine, fairly supple, fleshyRich

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