Merlot Les Pyramides AOC VS

Ferdinand Mathier, great-grandfather of today's best Swiss winemaker of the decade, laid the foundations for the success of the family business now run by Nadia and Diego Mathier. As a dedicated vineyard inspector, he was already aware of the importance of the soil conditions, the vineyards and the microclimate in Valais at the beginning of the 20th century. In 1951, he pressed his first 12,000 liters of wine in the house where guests are now treated to regional specialties and, of course, exquisite wines from the Adrian & Diego Nouveau Salquenen AG wine cellar in the Barrique "Wine & Raclette" restaurant in the village center of Salgesch.

Adrian and Rosmarie Mathier, Diego's parents, played a pioneering role and presented their wines to countless people at numerous trade fairs in Switzerland. This was an important foundation stone for the upswing of the winery. Their tireless work was crowned in 1986 with the world championship title for the Œil-de-Perdrix.

Nadia and Diego have been running the company since 2001. With a great deal of passion and commitment, they have successfully developed the family-run business in the canton of Valais on the basis of continuity and sustainability in line with the company philosophy "Tradition, emotion, innovation and enjoyment - for generations". Countless international and national awards, including Best Swiss Winemaker of the Decade and three-time Swiss Winemaker of the Years 2018-2011-2007, as well as more than 1000 gold medals for their wines are impressive proof of this.

And perhaps the best news of all: in a wine world that will be increasingly characterized by female influences in the future, Nadia and Diego Mathier have already laid an important foundation stone for the successful continuation of the Mathier family's traditional business in their marriage with their five daughters and their future families and will continue to provide people with countless moments of pleasure with their wines in the future.

Listen in, the Mathier family will be happy to introduce themselves to you:

The red grape variety probably originates from France; it was first mentioned in documents in the 14th century. Its full name is Merlot Noir, but it is not directly related to the white Merlot Blanc. The name is derived from the French word for blackbird (merle), because these birds like to nibble the early ripening berries. It probably comes from a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and another Cabernet variety.

Merlot is the third most widely grown grape variety in France and the most widely grown in the Bordeaux region. In the French region of Pomerol, one of the best and most expensive red wines in the world is made from it, Château Pétrus.

Merlot belongs to the Cabernet family and is supported by smooth, silky tannins. However, it has less tannin, lower acidity and less longevity than Cabernet wines, but a higher alcohol level. Merlot owes its success to its beautiful, dark robe with a violet hue, its vinous character and its aromas of wild berries and chocolate.

Learn more about this grape variety