Alpine Wines

The first, and the most important wine of the estate, is the Sassella Valtellina Superiore ‘Grisone’. In 2017, it was the only wine they made, and therefore includes fruit from all three of the estate’s vineyards, with schist terraces between 350m and 550m above sea level, including the old Mossino vineyard, with vines of over 100 years old. Delicate in colour, but with incredibly vibrant fruit, notes of wild berries, freshly cut herbs, and lots of floral notes, this is a brilliant Nebbiolo.

Les Murets comes from the commune of Villette. It’s a delicate, elegant expression of Chasselas: the perfect introduction to the grape. From sandy, chalky soils, it’s a mineral, floral wine, ideal with lighter dishes. Notes of rose petal and watermelon, and a lovely savoury lift on the finish. Very good value.

Les Hauts de Pierre is the pinnacle of Blaise’s production. It comes from a single parcel of old vine Chasselas, and is powerful, textured, and intense, almost reminiscent of top Burgundy. This 2019 is a little closed, but with texture and purity on the palate, it points to a long life ahead. The salinity and leesy complexity on the palate lasts an age, with notes of citrus and more savoury elements unfurling over time: this is a remarkable Swiss white.

These vines are planted on degraded Lias clay, which contributes to the soaring tension on the mid-palate of this wine. It has a smoky base, with citrus top notes. Tingling minerality swirls throughout. There is a magnificent density to this wine. Tuck it away for a few years to enjoy it in its full glory.

This is the ‘insider’s tip’ in the Tissot range. It comes from a 0.6 hectare parcel of very old Chardonnay vines planted within the Château-Chalon appellation (usually planted with Savagnin for the world class vins jaunes produced there). "Sursis" means "reprieve" in French - Stéphane had planned to grub the vines up when he bought the plot to plant Savagnin for Vin jaune, but the limestone soils here produce such a fantastic, mineral wine that he couldn't bring himself to do it. It has a purity and freshness that sets it apart. Ageing on lees gives it a subtle richness that counterbalances its austere tension. Rare and wonderful.

65% Gamay de Chautagne, 25% Mondeuse, 10% Persan. A beautiful pale ruby from a super-star Savoie domaine. It is lightly scented with wild cherries, Alpine strawberries, and a light graphite smokiness. Its sappy adicity and fine sweet tannins combine in this distinctive and delicious mountain red.

65% Gamay de Chautagne, 25% Mondeuse, 10% Persan. 2018’s warm season has lent this a depth of dark cherry and wild berry core, married with the cool smoky freshness of the high-altitude region. Supple, salty tannins, and a long balanced finish. Domaine des Ardoisières on top form.

The Petite Arvine is intense and savoury. There’s peaches here, and plenty of savoury spice, with notes of fresh ginger and a long and textured finish. Very saline on the finish: makes you reach for another glass.

The Cornalin is floral, delicate, and a brilliant example of a mountain red. Notes of wild herbs and very pure morello cherry fruit make this a brilliant match for charcuterie, and other mountain fare.