2023 Albert Biollaz La Cuvée des Reines La Canaille

The Albert Biollaz winery

Albert Biollaz SA is located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, in Chamoson, in the canton of Valais. The winery is a sister company of Château Constallation and is known for wines true to their terroir and local identity. Since its founding in 1917, Albert Biollaz has developed into a leading producer of AOC Valais wines that showcase the unique expression of their origins. The team combines traditional viticulture with modern winemaking techniques to create wines that are elegant, precise, and gastronomically appealing.

Albert Biollaz's philosophy is based on respect for nature and the pursuit of balance in every wine. The vineyards are spread across slopes with optimal sunshine, where the grapes ripen slowly under the influence of the alpine climate. This allows the wines to retain their fresh acidity and refined structure.

The Valais region and its unique terroir

Valais (Wallis) is Switzerland's largest wine region and enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year. The vineyards are located at altitudes of up to 600 meters and enjoy significant temperature variations between day and night. This slows ripening and promotes the development of aromas and minerality. The soil is primarily clay-limestone with abundant stones and excellent drainage. These conditions give Albert Biollaz wines their characteristic tension and length.

La Cuvée des Reines La Canaille 2023

The 2023 edition of La Cuvée des Reines La Canaille is a vibrant red wine from the "La Cuvée des Reines" series, where Albert Biollaz brings together his most expressive and fruit-driven wines. While the exact blend of La Canaille can vary slightly, its character is unmistakably Valais: intense fruit, fresh mountain air, and an elegant structure.

The wine is based on Diolinoir , a unique Swiss grape variety derived from a cross between Rouge de Diolly and Pinot Noir. This variety combines the power of Rouge de Diolly with the finesse of Pinot Noir and has become a specialty of the Valais. The grapes come from 20-year-old vineyards in Conthey and Savièse, located at an altitude of approximately 580 meters. The clay-limestone soil and steep slopes provide an ideal environment for ripe, concentrated grapes with good acidity.

Harvest, fermentation and maturation

Harvest takes place once the grapes have reached their optimum ripeness. After careful selection, a slow maceration of three to four weeks follows to gently extract color and tannins. Fermentation takes place under controlled temperatures, with an emphasis on preserving the fruit aromas. The wine then matures for several months in tank, where malolactic fermentation takes place. This creates a harmonious balance between power and softness, with a supple mouthfeel and a long, fruity finish.

The wine has an alcohol content of 14 percent and can be served between 12 and 15 degrees Celsius. Its aging potential is between five and ten years, gradually developing more depth and complexity.

Color, smell and taste

In the glass, the wine displays a deep red color with violet nuances. The nose is intensely fresh and fruity, with notes of ripe cherries, blackcurrants, and light flowers. On the palate, the wine is supple and full-bodied, with ripe tannins that blend beautifully with the fruit. The finish is soft, long, and slightly spicy. This makes the 2023 vintage of La Canaille a balanced Valais wine with modern freshness and traditional depth.

Serving advice and storage capacity

The wine is best served at a temperature of around 14-16 degrees Celsius, like a Pinot Noir. While the 2023 vintage is already wonderfully approachable, a few years of aging will further round out the aromas and add complexity. It's a pleasant choice for the connoisseur who wants to experience how a modern Swiss red wine can develop in the bottle.

Would you like to order Albert Biollaz wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pickup" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings

• Grilled sirloin steak with thyme and rosemary – the wine's structure complements the juicy meat and spicy aromas beautifully.
• Pasta with truffle and mushrooms – the earthy notes of truffle enhance the fruity and spicy depth of the wine.
• Roasted duck breast with cherry jus – the soft tannins and ripe fruit notes make for a harmonious combination.
• Risotto with Parmesan and roasted pumpkin – the creamy texture of the dish is balanced by the fresh acidity of the wine.
• Veal tenderloin with rosemary jus – the full body of the wine accentuates the delicate flavour of the meat.
• Beetroot tartare with goat's cheese – the light minerality of the wine contrasts elegantly with the fresh, creamy texture of the cheese.