Switzerland

Christophe Abbet is one of Europe's great underground winemakers. Since 1985, he has tended just 2.7ha of vineyards around the villages of Martigny and Fully in Switzerland's Valais. He farms organically, growing tiny quantities of local specialities Ermitage, Petite Arvine and Chasselas, alongside Gamay, Pinot Noir and Syrah.In a converted forge in Martigny-Bourg, Christophe produces an impressive roster of more than twenty bottlings using a range of experimental winemaking methods, including extended élevages and ageing under flor. Bottling without filtration or added sulphur, Abbet's wines are released only when he feels they are ready to drink, although they also have excellent cellaring potential.His Petit Arvine has crystalline fruit with alpine freshness, while the Ermitage (Marsanne) is full-bodied and intense – the result of four years in wood and bottle. Aged for nine years under flor, the Vin de Voile combines a rich texture and spicy nuances.With its lifted, floral-savoury perfume, Abbet's Syrah shares all the qualities of top Côte-Rôtie, while his bright and tangy Gamay from 40-year-old vines is one of the "best Gamays ever", according to Jura winemaking legend François Rousset-Martin.With less than 2% of Swiss wines exported and discerning local drinkers quick to secure the country's best bottles, few get the opportunity to taste Abbet's wines. This domaine is one of our most exciting new discoveries.

Christophe Abbet

Wines

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