Gamay «to die for»

Isabella & Stéphane Kellenberger from the Vin d'oeuvre winery in Leuk Stadt are happy to share their passion... because they are available in bottles, in white and red, contemporary or more traditional, ready to enjoy immediately or for storage - tailored to a variety of tastes.

The two met while studying oenology in Vaud. Their relationship is no longer just professional, but also personal. They have two children. Their common strengths lie in the breadth of their individual professional experience, their different interests and the contrasting nature of their personal traits, which nevertheless harmonize perfectly, just like in a good wine.

They produce 17 different wines from indigenous and international grape varieties at their family winery Vin d'oeuvre in Leuk. They travel miles for good wine, as their vineyards stretch from Fully in the Lower Valais to Visperterminen in the Upper Valais - in short, through the entire Valais.

Vin d'oeuvre is a play on words made up of the French "vin" (wine) and "oeuvre" (work). It deliberately alludes to "main d'oeuvre" (craft) and "chef d'oeuvre" (masterpiece). Isabella & Stéphane are vin d'oeuvre, because that is exactly what their wines want to convey: Top quality paired with race and elegance - gained through their work in the vines and in the cellar.

Choose your favourite wine from Kellenberger’s aromatic map based on your personal preferences.

This red grape variety is closely linked to the Beaujolais In the Lower Valais (in the region of Fully and Martigny), it enjoys an excellent reputation. No wonder, since the granite rocks here are reminiscent of the soils of the Grands Crus in the Beaujolais. 

An old saying goes "jamais du Gamay". In fact, the persistent aversion to Gamay must be surprising, since the variety descends from Pinot noir and Gouais blanc, i.e. from Pinot Noir and White Heunisch, and thus from two of the most important leading grape varieties in Central Europe. As such a descendant, Gamay is, for example, a sibling of Aligoté, Auxerrois, Melon de Bourgogne and Chardonnay, which are also descended from these two leading grape varieties.

Gamay is the sprinter among the red grape varieties. Gamay sprouts early, bears abundant grapes and is harvested early. The grapes are also processed into wine comparatively quickly. The first wine of the new year is usually made from this variety: the Beaujolais Primeur or Nouveau, which comes onto the market at the age of only two month

The simple, not very colourful but lively wine is best drunk young and fresh. The precocious, averagely productive variety produces violet-red, very aromatic, lively wines with notes of red fruits and spices. It is also fresh and seductive. Vinified on its own, Gamay is the epitome of a juicy, cheerful wine.

Learn more about this grape variety