Domaine de Montbenay, a notable Swiss winery located in Vaud, is helmed by Paul de Watteville, who succeeded his father Maurice in 2022 while the latter continues to play an active role. The estate has embraced innovative vinification techniques, incorporating amphorae, which they began using in 2019. These hand-built clay vessels from Castelnaudry in Roussillon have shown impressive results, particularly in preserving the wines’ character.
One noteworthy aspect of their production is the use of wild fermentation. For the Trésières vineyard, Paul sourced a diverse selection of 500 Pinot Noir varieties from renowned nurseryman Lilian Berillon, showcasing a meticulous attention to detail.
Highlights of Domaine de Montbenay’s 2024 Wines:
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Chasselas Tradition 2024: This classic Chasselas is fermented and aged in large oak barrels, offering concentrated and crystalline flavors with notes of pear, white peach, and citrus. It possesses excellent intensity and focus, rated at 92/100.
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Sauvignon 2024: Fermented and aged in Tava clay, this wine stands out with its fruity, expressive profile featuring stony lemon fruit and vibrant green hints. It showcases intriguing weight and a mineral quality, also rated at 92/100.
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Pinot Noir 2024: Raised in amphora with 50% whole bunch fermentation, this wine is fresh and bright, featuring cherry and redcurrant fruits with a nice balance of tension, rated at 93/100.
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Pinot Noir Les Trésières 2024: This wine is 100% whole cluster, undergoing destemming after 10 days with an additional 10 days of skin contact before aging in French oak for 10 months. It displays vivid colors and lively flavors of red cherry and raspberry, complemented by a mineral twist, rated at 94/100.
For further details, visit the Domaine de Montbenay website.