Marie Thérèse Chappaz

History of Domaine de Marie-Thérèse Chappaz

The history of Domaine de Marie-Thérèse Chappaz begins in the 1940s, when Maurice Troillet, Marie-Thérèse Chappaz's great-uncle, built a house in Fully to host events and craft his wines. This residence, located at the place called La Liaudisaz, became the heart of the estate. In 1987, Marie-Thérèse, then 27 years old, took over this family heritage, initially consisting of one and a half hectares of vines. At the time, she was considering a career as a midwife, but a revelation led her to embrace viticulture. Trained at the Changins School, she perfected her skills at the federal research station before embarking on the adventure.

In 1997, a visit to Domaine Chapoutier in Tain-l'Hermitage marked a turning point: Marie-Thérèse decided to convert her estate to biodynamics, an approach certified by Demeter in 2003. Since then, she has continued to innovate, expanding her vineyard to 10 hectares and gaining international recognition. Named "Winemaker of the Year" by Gault & Millau in 1996, "Swiss Wine Icon" in 2016, and "Lady of Wine" in 2015 at the Villa d'Este Wine Symposium, Marie-Thérèse Chappaz is today a legendary figure in Swiss wine, celebrated for her exceptional cuvées.

Terroirs and Vineyards of Domaine de Marie-Thérèse Chappaz

The Domaine de Marie-Thérèse Chappaz extends over 10 hectares, divided into micro-parcels across the villages of Fully, Charrat, Leytron, and Chamoson, in the Valais Rhône valley. These terroirs, situated between 450 and 900 meters altitude, benefit from ideal climatic conditions, with over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually and only 600 mm of rainfall. The varied soils include granitic land in Fully, often covered with loess, and limestone soils in Charrat and Leytron, offering unique diversity for grape cultivation.

In Fully, the steep hillsides of Les Claives and Combe d'Enfer, with slopes that are sometimes vertiginous, are among the most difficult to work in the world. The dry stone terraces, emblematic of Valais, host grape varieties such as Petite Arvine, Ermitage (Marsanne), and Syrah. Charrat, on the left bank of the Rhône, is ideal for Pinot Noir thanks to its limestone soil and late sunshine. Leytron and Chamoson, with their limestone soils, welcome grape varieties such as Cornalin and Humagne Rouge. Marie-Thérèse also cultivates fruit trees (peach, fig, olive) to promote biodiversity, strengthening the natural balance of her vines.

Winemaking at Domaine de Marie-Thérèse Chappaz

Marie-Thérèse Chappaz's winemaking philosophy is based on absolute respect for the terroir and minimal intervention. Converted to biodynamics since 1997, she banishes synthetic products, using herbal teas (nettle, willow, chamomile) and biodynamic preparations such as cow horn manure to nourish her vines. In the cellar, she favors indigenous yeasts, avoids sugar and enzymes, and limits the use of sulfites, sometimes absent in certain cuvées. Copper, used against downy mildew, is reduced to less than 3 kg per hectare, and natural mine sulfur combats powdery mildew.

Each vintage is vinified with care, respecting the particularities of the climate and grape varieties. The reds undergo long macerations and regular punch-downs, while the whites, particularly the sweet wines, are crafted from over-ripened grapes for natural concentration. This approach, combined with traditional "corkscrew" pruning for certain grape varieties such as Marsanne, guarantees authentic wines that reflect their terroir with remarkable purity.

The Cuvées of Domaine de Marie-Thérèse Chappaz

The Domaine de Marie-Thérèse Chappaz offers a varied range of cuvées, each expressing a specific terroir and grape variety. Here is a selection of its emblematic wines:

Fendant La Liaudisaz

From the Chasselas grape variety in Fully, this lively and aromatic white wine, cultivated on loess soils over granite, is perfect for accompanying convivial dishes such as fish from Lake Geneva.

Grain Noir

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, inspired by Bordeaux wines, cultivated in La Liaudisaz. This structured red offers aromas of black fruits and beautiful length on the palate.

Grain Cinq

Produced in Combe d'Enfer and Les Claives, this unique white wine blends five grape varieties (Petite Arvine, Ermitage, Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner, Païen). Its complex notes of citrus and flowers make it a gastronomic wine.

Grain Ermitage Président Troillet

From old Marsanne vines in Les Claives, this rich and round white wine, with aromas of pear and honey, is ideal with poultry dishes or hard cheeses.

Grain Gamay Vieilles Vignes

Cultivated in Les Claives, this fruity and elegant red reveals notes of cherry and a silky texture, perfect for rustic dishes.

Grain par Grain Petite Arvine

This legendary 2020 cuvée, rated 100 points by Parker, is a sweet wine made from over-ripened grapes in Les Claives. Its aromas of candied lemon, rhubarb, and mirabelle plum pair with citrus-based desserts.

Grain Syrah Président Troillet 

A powerful Syrah from Les Claives, with notes of black fruits and spices, ideal with red meats.

Humagne Blanche 

This rare white wine, cultivated in Les Claives, offers floral aromas and mineral freshness, perfect with shellfish.

Grain Sauvage 

A Humagne Rouge from Planche Billon, produced in magnum, with notes of humus and violet, reflecting the arid terroir.

Grain Arvine La Louye 

A Petite Arvine cultivated on alluvial land in La Louye, this dry white reveals citrus aromas and beautiful acidity.

Fendant Coteaux de Plamont 

From the Plamont hillside, this Fendant offers fruity notes and a freshness ideal for aperitifs.

Grain Mariage 

A blend of Cornalin and Humagne Rouge from Leytron, this full-bodied and rustic red is perfect for game dishes.

Grain Pinot Champ Dury, Charrat, Les Esserts, Les Dahrres, Chamoson 

These Pinot Noir cuvées, cultivated on limestone soils, offer aromas of red fruits and rare elegance, ideal with refined dishes.

Grain Nature 

A natural wine from Charrat, made without added sulfites, for a pure expression of Pinot Noir.

The Domaine de Marie-Thérèse Chappaz embodies excellence in Swiss viticulture, driven by the vision and talent of Marie-Thérèse Chappaz. Her wines, from unique terroirs and cultivated biodynamically, are a celebration of Valais and its emblematic grape varieties. Explore our selection of cuvées and immerse yourself in the universe of a winemaker who is redefining the standards of Swiss wine, with passion and respect for nature.