2023 Albert Biollaz Le Grand Schiner Pinot Noir

The Albert Biollaz winery in Chamoson Valais

The Swiss winery Albert Biollaz SA is located in Chamoson, in the canton of Valais. From the vineyards along the Rhône River, this estate produces distinctive wines that are true to their origins. Its founder, Albert Biollaz, laid the foundation for an estate that is now run by a team that combines modern winemaking with respect for tradition. The estate is part of Provins Valais, one of Switzerland's leading wine producers, and with its Le Grand Schiner line, focuses on terroir-driven, high-quality wines.

Albert Biollaz's style revolves around precision, elegance, and balance. The emphasis is on wines that express the terroir in its purest form, with fruit, freshness, and structure taking center stage. The cellar is located in Chamoson, one of the most prized wine regions in Valais. The combination of altitude, chalky soils, and abundant sunlight creates optimal conditions for Pinot Noir.

Region and climate – the Swiss Valais

Valais is Switzerland's premier wine region, stretching along the upper Rhône River. The climate is dry and sunny, with over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually. The large temperature variations between day and night ensure balanced grape ripening. Albert Biollaz's vineyards are located on the slopes of Chamoson, Ardon, Sion, and Sierre, at an altitude of 480 to 590 meters.

The soil consists primarily of clay and limestone, which gives the wine structure, freshness, and a refined minerality. Thanks to the high planting density of 10,000 vines per hectare and a low yield of around 800 grams of grapes per square meter, the quality of the fruit is exceptionally high. The vines are pruned according to the Guyot system to maintain balance and concentration.

The wine Albert Biollaz Le Grand Schiner Pinot Noir 2023

The Le Grand Schiner Pinot Noir 2023 is a refined, elegantly structured red wine from the hills of Valais. Originally from Burgundy, the Pinot Noir grape has been cultivated in Switzerland since the 15th century and thrives here. In the cool yet sunny conditions of Valais, it develops aromas of pure red fruit, delicate spices, and a mineral undertone.

Harvest and vinification

The grapes are harvested by hand at peak ripeness. After harvesting, a slow maceration process lasts 20 days to gently extract color and tannins. The wine then ages for ten months in stainless steel vats. During this period, malolactic fermentation takes place, giving the wine a softer structure and a harmonious texture.

The Pinot Noir is deliberately not over-aged to preserve its fruitiness and freshness. The result is an elegant wine with depth, balance, and a refined length. It has an alcohol content of 13% and is best served between 12 and 15 degrees Celsius. With a aging potential of 5 to 20 years, this wine develops even further in the bottle, adding complexity and smoothness.

Color, smell and taste

The 2023 Le Grand Schiner Pinot Noir has a deep, vibrant amaranthine color. The nose is enticing, with aromas of red berries, black currant, and a hint of undergrowth. On the palate, the wine is elegant, with flavors of red currant, black currant, and subtle spice. The tannins are soft and well-integrated, the structure is silky, and the finish is long and harmonious.

This Pinot Noir is already appealing to drink, but it can still age for years. The wine retains its freshness and will reveal even more depth and complexity with age.

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 this information 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 "Pick up" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to 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.

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Wine and food pairings

• Duck breast with cherry reduction – the fruity notes of the wine enhance the meat and complement the sweet and sour sauce.

• Veal ribeye with grilled vegetables – the soft tannins provide a balanced combination with the light meat juices.

• Mushroom risotto with truffle oil – the earthy notes of the wine enhance the umami in this dish.

• Grilled tuna with soy marinade – the freshness and red fruit of the wine balance the savoury notes of the fish.

• Venison fillet with parsnip puree and red wine jus – the complexity of the Pinot Noir complements the full gamey flavour beautifully.

• Coq au vin with herbs and shallots – a classic combination in which the wine and the dish enhance each other.