The Lionel Messi Collection and Château Constellation

The Lionel Messi Collection is the result of a unique collaboration between the legendary footballer and the renowned Swiss winery Château Constellation in Valais. This modern wine estate, nestled deep in the Alps, combines centuries-old winemaking tradition with cutting-edge winemaking techniques. Château Constellation worked for many years with renowned oenologist Michel Rolland and is one of Switzerland's most innovative producers.

Messi was personally involved in selecting the styles and terroirs for his GOAT 10 collection . The idea arose when, during a winter stay in Valais, he was impressed by the heroic viticulture on steep mountain slopes. There, where every grape is harvested by hand and viticulture is a battle against nature, he recognized the same dedication that has defined him throughout his career.

Valais – wine growing on the edge of the impossible

Valais is the heart of the Swiss wine world. Here, amid steep slopes and snow-capped peaks, wine is still grown by hand. The slopes can climb up to 45%, making each harvest a truly heroic feat. With over 300 days of sunshine a year and a dry, mountainous climate, the grapes here grow under extreme conditions. The result: wines with clarity, tension, and a unique mineral signature found nowhere else.

Grape, vinification and maturation

The 2024 Lionel GOAT 10 Johannisberg is made from 100% Gros Rhin , or Johannisberg – the local name for Sylvaner. The grapes come from vines over thirty years old and are harvested entirely by hand. After a gentle pressing, slow fermentation follows at 18°C to preserve the purity of the fruit. Partial malolactic fermentation ensures roundness without losing freshness. The wine is aged on lees in stainless steel vats to preserve its pure, mineral character.

Color, smell and taste

The Johannisberg has a bright straw-yellow color with brilliant reflections. The nose reveals notes of lime zest, roasted almond, and plum. The palate offers refined flavors of ripe white fruit, apricot, and a light nutty note, supported by a subtle minerality. The finish is long and elegant, with a warm hint of sun-drenched Valais stones. This wine combines depth and freshness in a way typical of top-tier Swiss white wines.

The style within the GOAT 10 collection

The Johannisberg represents the northern, mountainous character of the GOAT 10 line. While the Primitivo and Syrah bring power and Mediterranean warmth, this white wine showcases the precision, freshness, and refinement of the Alps. It is the quiet strength of the collection – a wine that exudes tranquility and balance, just like Messi's game itself.

Serving suggestion and storage potential

Serve this wine at 10–12°C. While already wonderfully vibrant and expressive, it also boasts excellent aging potential until 2050. Its combination of purity and structure will develop additional depth and notes of honey and nuts with age. A wine that slowly unfolds and only improves with age.

Would you like to order wines from the Lionel Messi Collection online?

The wines from the Lionel Messi Collection are available at Grandcruwijnen.nl . They are stored in a climate-controlled wine warehouse where temperature and humidity are perfectly controlled. Those who choose "Pick up in Dordrecht" will receive an immediate discount, which will be visible during checkout.

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine, such as videos and photos, in the "Attachments" tab. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a generous discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pickup" at checkout. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read full wine reviews from publications like Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator. 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

• Trout with almond and lemon butter – the roasted almond notes in the wine complement the dish perfectly.
• Ravioli with ricotta and sage – the soft texture and spiciness of the sage emphasise the round finish of the Johannisberg.
• Lobster with lime and fennel – the wine’s fresh citrus profile enhances the delicate sweetness of the lobster.
• Risotto with asparagus and Parmesan cheese – the creamy texture of the dish is balanced by the fresh acidity of the wine.
• Veal oyster with roasted vegetables – the minerality and subtle nuttiness add depth to the tender meat.
• Pear tarte tatin with almond cream – the wine stays strong on the sweetness, while its fresh character refreshes the flavors.
• 

About Johannisberg

Gros Rhin, also called Johannisberg, is the local name for the Sylvaner grape in Switzerland, particularly in the canton of Wallis (Valais). This variety produces wines that are fresh, slightly spicy, and elegant, often with aromas of green apple, white flowers, and a subtle minerality. In good years and on chalky soils, Gros Rhin can be surprisingly full-bodied and complex. Incidentally, the name "Johannisberg" also refers to a famous wine hill in Germany, but in Switzerland it refers to the Sylvaner grape.