The Vineyard
and Its Cultivation
Type of Cultivation
of Our Grape Varieties
The terroir, derived from red molasse and ancient glacial moraines, imparts its distinctive qualities to Chasselas, the emblematic grape variety of the Canton of Vaud. It is particularly well-suited to the varieties we cultivate: Chasselas, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Gamay.
The “three suns” of the region—the sun itself, the reflection from Lake Geneva, and the warmth from the terraced walls on the hillsides—contribute to the flourishing of our vines, which are planted in Guyot and Cordon de Royat training systems. The Kerner and Solaris in white, and the Mara and Divico in red, are among the specialties that have been carefully grafted over time, with some vines being over 30 years old.
The Grape Varieties
of Our Wines
For over 30 years, Albert Mamin has been cultivating both traditional grape varieties. First, the Chasselas, the emblematic grape of the region; the Pinot Noir, a Burgundy variety brought to our land by the monks of Citeaux; and also Chardonnay and Gamay.
The new grape varieties developed in Switzerland, Garanoir and Gamaret, are favored and facilitate vineyard maintenance.
Albert Mamin, as a nurseryman, has passionately developed the cultivation of more niche grape varieties, which today bring a wide diversity of products. Kerner, Solaris, Savagnin Rose, Müller-Thurgau, Mara, and Divico are among the varieties that allow us to offer a broad range of single-varietal or blended wines.
The Chasselas
Chasselas is a white grape variety originating from Switzerland. It produces light wines with delicate aromas of fruits and flowers. Appreciated for its finesse, it is often consumed young. Beyond Switzerland, it is also cultivated in France, particularly in Alsace and Savoie, where it produces fresh and pleasant wines.
The Gamay
Gamay is a black grape variety primarily grown in the Beaujolais region of France. It produces fruity, light wines with notes of raspberry and cherry. Often consumed young due to carbonic maceration, which minimizes tannins, some Beaujolais crus, however, offer more complex Gamays that can age well.
The Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a highly renowned and versatile white grape variety, originally from the Burgundy region of France but now cultivated in many vineyards around the world. It is famous for its ability to reflect the characteristics of the terroir where it is planted, resulting in a wide variety of wine styles. Chardonnay wines can range from light and mineral to rich and buttery, often with notes of green apple, pear, lemon, melon, and sometimes vanilla, oak, or caramel, depending on the vinification and oak aging. This grape variety is also a major component in the production of Champagne and other sparkling wines worldwide. Its adaptability and popularity make it one of the most widely grown white grape varieties in the world.
The Pinot noir
Pinot Noir, originally from Burgundy, is a demanding yet rewarding grape variety, renowned for reflecting its terroir. It offers an elegant structure and silky tannins, with aromas of red fruits like cherry and raspberry, enriched with spicy notes as it ages. This versatile grape adapts to various styles, from light reds to more structured wines, and is also prized in the production of high-quality Champagnes and Crémants.
The Kerner
Kerner is an aromatic white grape variety, a cross between Riesling and Trollinger (also known as Schiava Grossa). Developed in Germany in the 1920s, it quickly gained popularity due to its cold resistance and adaptability to various climates. Kerner produces fresh and invigorating wines, often with a good balance between acidity and sweetness. Its aromas are reminiscent of Riesling, with notes of stone fruits, citrus, white flowers, and sometimes a hint of minerality. On the palate, it often offers a rich texture and can exhibit a slight residual sweetness, although drier versions are also common. This grape variety is appreciated for its versatility, lending itself well to the production of still, sparkling, and even late-harvest wines.
The Gamaret
Gamaret is a red grape variety created in Switzerland, a cross between Gamay and Reichensteiner. Cultivated primarily in Switzerland, especially in the regions of Geneva and Lausanne, it is appreciated for its resistance to cold and diseases. Gamaret wines are characterized by their deep color and rich tannins, offering complex aromas of black berries, spices, and sometimes notes of leather or tobacco with aging. This grape produces structured and powerful wines that gain in complexity and finesse with age. Gamaret is enjoyed both as a single-varietal wine and in blends, contributing color, structure, and aroma to other wines.
The Garanoir
Garanoir, a relatively recent grape variety, is a Swiss creation resulting from the cross between Gamay and Reichensteiner. Appreciated for its robustness and resistance to diseases, it thrives in various climates, particularly in French-speaking Switzerland. Garanoir produces wines with intense color, a lovely roundness on the palate, and is characterized by aromas of dark fruits, cherries, and sweet spices. Its supple structure and moderate tannins make it an enjoyable wine to drink young. This grape is often used in blends to add depth and body, but it also stands out as a single-varietal wine for its fruity and approachable character.
The Divico
