BERN, SWITZERLAND – Charles Bonvin, one of the oldest wineries in canton Valais, and a family enterprise, was named the Swiss Winery of the Year Tuesday 21 October at a gala event in Bern. The title was awarded along with gold and silver medals and special prizes at a gala event for the Grand Prix du Vin Suisse, the national wine competition.

The joint press release from Vinea, which organizes the Grand Prix du Vin Suisse competition, and Vinum wine magazine, which co-sponsored the Tuesday awards ceremony:

“Switzerland’s wine champions for 2011 have been named. Suspense was high during this evening’s Swiss Wines Gala dinner at the Kulturcasino in Bern. The winners of this important national wine competition were unveiled during the colourful event attended by some 400 people from the world of Swiss wine – heads of industry associations, political authorities and wine producers. The winners of the 12 wine categories were named, 4 special prizes were awarded and the much-coveted title of Swiss Winery of the Year was handed to Charles Bonvin SA in Sion. The Gala evening, organized jointly by the Vinea Association and the wine revue Vinum has become the highlight of the year for Swiss Wines.

More than 2800 wines from 520 producers were submitted to the judges for this 8th edition of the Grand Prix du Vin Suisse (GPVS) organized jointly in Sierre by the wine revue Vinum and the Vinea Association

The competition, which brings together all the wine regions in Switzerland, is representative of Swiss wines, thanks to the various categories, which highlight the diversity and special characteristics of a country that grows more than 70 grape varieties. Logically enough, the grape varieties that are best represented at the competition are those most widely grown, thus: 420 Chasselas wines, 380 Pinot Noirs, 180 Merlots and 530 other varietal white wines.

Winners represent all of Switzerland’s wine producing areas

On the podium (three first prizes), the 36 wine producers from all of the Swiss wine-producing areas provided a good illustration of the different wine regions and their diversity: Valais, leading with 15 winners, then Vaud (8) Ticino (3) and Graubünden, Geneva and Neuchâtel with 2 producers each.

For the first-place winners, Valais producers had 7 winners of categories, Vaud had 2, red blends and sparkling wines. The winner of the Pinot Noir category is in canton Graubünden, the rosé/blanc de noir wines winner is in Neuchatel and the Müller-Thurgau one is in Schaffhausen. Valais, which is Switzerland’s largest wine producing area – more than 30% of the entire Swiss wines – took the 7 other first prizes.

Swiss Winery of the Year and special prizes

The Swiss Winery of the Year is, fittingly, Charles Bonvin SA, one of the oldest wineries in canton Valais. This prestigious title is given based on rigorous criteria. The cellar must have registered at least 5 wines in 3 categories, and must have the best ratio for the number of wines registered to the number of gold and silver medals and wines that were finalists.

During the same evening, 3 special prizes were awarded: Swiss organic wines prize: Gamaret Barrique, Château Rochefort, Allaman Grand Cru 2011, Ville de Lausanne (VD)

• Vinissimo white prize : Fendant les Mazots 2013 Maurice Gay SA, Chamoson (VS)
• Vinissimo red prize: Gamay to die for 2013, Vin d’Oeuvre, Leuk Stadt (VS)

The Vinissimo prizes go to the wines with the highest points for white and red wines (for all categories of dry and still wines).

The list of awards of the Grand Prix du Vin Suisse (GPVS) is widely published in the media and on the Vinum and Vinea web site (see below for details). All of the awards are also available on the Vinea Swiss Wines app, iPhone version and Android, available 21 October at midnight.

The organizers the VINEA association and Vinum, European wine magazine, offers this country’s producers a unique and national communications tool.

The GPVS Gala evening, with renowned Swiss-German television personality Sven Epiney as MC, put the spotlight on the best of Swiss wines for wine-lovers from the general public who joined the finalists to enjoy a chance to sample these fine wines in the company of the top producers who made them.

Note: The complete list of awards for the 8^th annual Grand Prix du Vin Suisse is published on the web site www.grandprixduvinsuisse.ch and www.vinea.ch

A special report on the winners and the results of the Grand Prix du Vin Suisse 2014 appears in the latest issue of November for the Vinum German speaking edition and in December for the Vinum French speaking edition www.vinum.ch.

THE SPECIAL PRIZES

Swiss Winery of the Year 2014

Charles Bonvin SA Sion Valais

Prix Vinissimo Red

to die for 2013                                                                            AOC Valais

Vin d’œuvre – 3953 Leuk Stadt (VS)

Prix Vinissimo White

Les Mazots Fendant de Sion 2013                                           AOC Valais
Maurice Gay SA – 1955 Chamoson (VS)

Prix Swiss Bio

Gamaret Barrique, Château Rochefort                                   La Côte AOC

Allaman Grand Cru 2011                                                         Ville de Lausanne, Service des parcs et domaines – 1000 Lausanne (VD)

 

CHASSELAS
First prize

Les Mazots Fendant de Sion 2013                                           AOC Valais

Maurice Gay SA – 1955 Chamoson (VS)

Second prize

Domaine le Petit Cottens                                                         La Côte AOC

Grand Cru de Luins 2013                                                        Domaine Le Petit Cottens – 1180 Rolle (VD)

 

Third prize

Chasselas Réserve du Domaine 2013                                   Genève AOC

Domaine des Molards – 1281 Russin (GE)

Finalists

Réserve de la Commune d’Aigle 2013                                   Chablais AOC

Commune d’Aigle – 1860 Aigle (VD)

 

Calamin Grand Cru L’Arpège 2013                                         Lavaux AOC

Domaine Blondel – 1096 Cully (VD)

 

Les Délices Grand Cru Aigle 2013                                          Chablais AOC

Obrist SA – 1800 Vevey (VD)

 

MÜLLER-THURGAU

 

First prize

Müller-Thurgau Auslese 2013                                                 AOC Schaffhausen

Weingut Lindenhof AG – 8218 Osterfingen (SH)

Second prize

Spiezer Riesling-Sylvaner 2013                                              Thunersee AOC

Rebbau-Genossenschaft Spiez – 3700 Spiez (BE)

Third prize

Lampert’s Riesling-Silvaner 2013                                           AOC Graubünden

Lampert’s Weingut Heidelberg – 7304 Maienfeld (GR)

Finalists

Malanser Riesling-Silvaner 2013                                            AOC Graubünden

Von Salis AG – 7302 Landquart (GR)

Lampert’s Maienfelder Riesling-Silvaner 2013                      AOC Graubünden

Weingut Markus a. Sonja Lampert – 7304 Maienfeld (GR)

Rudolfinger Riesling Silvaner 2013                                         AOC Zürich

Weinbau zur Trotte – 8465 Rudolfingen (ZH)

 

 

 

OTHER WHITE VARIETAL WINES

 

First prize

Johannisberg 2013                                                                    AOC Valais

Cave Ardévaz SA – 1955 Chamoson (VS)

Second prize

Les Solistes Pinot Gris Ollon 2013                                          Chablais AOC

Artisans Vignerons Ollon – 1867 Ollon (VD)

Third prize

Heida 2013                                                                                AOC Valais

                                                                                                   Albert Mathier & Söhne AG – 3970 Salgesch (VS)

Finalists
Gewürztraminer Cave des Rossillonnes 2012                      La Côte AOC

Cave des Rossillonnes – 1184 Vinzel (VD)

 

Pankraz Blanc Noble Sauvignon blanc 2013                          Landwein

Mövenpick Wein AG – Staatskellerei Zürich – 8462 Rheinau (ZH)

 

Meilener Räuschling Seehalden 2013                                     AOC Zürichsee

Schwarzenbach Weinbau – 8706 Meilen (ZH)

 

WHITE BLENDS

 

First prize

Cuvée Mme Rosmarie Mathier 2013                                     AOC Valais

Adrian & Diego Mathier Nouveau Salquenen AG – 3970 Salgesch (VS)

Second prize

Chevalier blanc 2012                                                                AOC Valais

Vins des Chevaliers – 3970 Salgesch (VS)

Third prize

Grand’Cour Blanc 2013                                                            Genève AOC

Domaine Grand’Cour – 1242 Satigny (GE)

Finalists

Château Conthey 2013                                                             AOC Valais

Charles Bonvin SA – 1950 Sion (VS)

 

Cuvée 1858 Blanche 2012                                                        AOC Valais

Charles Bonvin SA – 1950 Sion (VS)

 

SanZeno Mosaico 2012                                                            Bianco del Ticino DOC

Tamborini Carlo Eredi SA – 6814 Lamone (TI)

 

ROSE AND BLANC DE NOIR WINES

First prize

Oeil-de-Perdrix 2013                                                                Neuchâtel AOC

Engel Vins – 2072 St-Blaise (NE)

Second prize

Wall Bianco Wallisellen 2013                                                  AOC Zürich

Gemeinde Wallisellen – 8304 Wallisellen (ZH)

Third prize

Pinot Noir Rosé 2013                                                               AOC Schaffhausen

Aagne Familie Gysel – 8215 Hallau (SH)

Finalists

Le Frimeur Blanc de Noir                                                        Chablais AOC

Aigle Grand Cru 2013                                                               Arc-En-Vins SA – 1070 Puidoux (VD)

 

Oeil-de-Perdrix 2013                                                                Bonvillars AOC

Domaine Croix Duplex, Simon et Maude Vogel – 1091 Grandvaux (VD)

 

Perles du Valais Dôle Blanche 2013                                       AOC Valais

Robert Gilliard SA – 1950 Sion (VS)

 

PINOT NOIR

First prize

Pinot Rhein 2011                                                                       AOC Graubünden

Pinot Rhein – 7304 Maienfeld (GR)

Second prize ex-aequo

Pinot Noir Pur Sang 2011                                                         Neuchâtel AOC

Caves de Chambleau – 2013 Colombier (NE)

Third prize ex-aequo

Pinot Noir Salquenen 2013                                                       AOC Valais

Cave Fernand Cina SA – 3970 Salgesch (VS)

 

PINOT NOIR

Finalists

Pinot Noir Grand Cru 2013                                                      AOC Valais

Cave Petite Vertu – 1955 Chamoson (VS)

 

Pinot Noir “Haute Couture” 2010                                             Neuchâtel AOC

Domaine de Montmollin SA – 2012 Auvernier (NE)

 

Martini Döttinger 2013                                                              AOC Aargau

Weinbau Keller Meinrad – 5312 Döttingen (AG)

 

GAMAY

 

First prize

to die for 2013                                                                            AOC Valais

Vin d’Oeuvre – 3953 Leuk Stadt (VS)

Second prize

Gamay Cave St Georges 2013                                                AOC Valais

Cave St Georges – 3960 Sierre (VS)

Third prize

Gamay cuvée spéciale 2012                                                    AOC Valais

Cave du Chevalier Bayard – 3969 Varen (VS)

Finalists
Gamay Méphisto 2013                                                             AOC Valais

Adrian & Diego Mathier Nouveau Salquenen AG –3970 Salgesch (VS)

 

Cuvée Origine 2013                                                                  Côtes de l’Orbe AOC

Cave du Château de Valeyres – 1358 Valeyres-Sous-Rances (VD)

 

Vespae, Gamay de Bovernier 2013                                         AOC Valais

Jean-René Germanier SA – 1963 Vétroz (VS)

 

MERLOT

 

First prize

Merlot l’Orpailleur 2013                                                           AOC Valais

Frédéric Dumoulin SA – 1958 Uvrier (VS)

Second prize

‘na tronadariserva 2011                                                            Ticino DOC Merlot

Enoteca della Salute – 6900 Massagno (TI)

Third prize

Lenéo Riserva 2011                                                                  Ticino DOC Merlot

Fratelli Corti SA – 6828 Balerna (TI)

Finalists

Merlot Nadia Mathier 2012                                                      AOC Valais

Adrian & Diego Mathier Nouveau Salquenen AG – 3970 Salgesch (VS)

 

Merlot 2012                                                                               AOC Valais

Cave des Amis – Pierre et Manu Arlettaz – 1926 Fully (VS)

 

Merlot Les Serpentines 2012                                                   AOC Valais

Cave Gérald Besse – 1921 Martigny-Croix (VS)

 

OTHER VARIETAL RED WINES

 

First prize

Humagne Rouge de Leytron 2012                                           AOC Valais

Cave Gilbert Devayes – 1912 Leytron (VS)

Second prize

Gamaret Barrique, Château Rochefort                                   La Côte AOC

Allaman Grand Cru 2011                                                         Ville de Lausanne, Service des parcs et domaines – 1000 Lausanne (VD)

 

Third prize

Cornalin de Sion 2012                                                              AOC Valais

Cave Sainte-Anne Héritier-Favre SA – 1950 Sion (VS)

Finalists

Cornalin Combe d’Enfer Fully 2011                                        AOC Valais

Cave des Amandiers – 1913 Saillon (VS)

 

Gamaret de Vétroz 2013                                                          AOC Valais

Cave des Deux Rives – 1996 Brignon (Nendaz) (VS)

 

Syrah 2013                                                                                AOC Valais

Cave du Rhodan Mounir Weine AG – 3970 Salgesch (VS)

 

OTHER VARIETAL RED WINES

 

Diolinoir Domaine Evêché                                                       AOC Valais

Crus des Domaines 2012                                                        Provins Valais – 1950 Sion (VS)

 

RED BLENDS

 

First prize

Puissance cinq Ollon 2012                                                       Chablais AOC

Domaine La Combaz – 1867 Ollon (VD)

Second prize

Collina d’Oro-Agra 2012                                                          Rosso del Ticino DOC

Fattoria Moncucchetto Sagl – 6900 Lugano (TI)

Third prize

Chardonne Cardona 2012                                                        Lavaux AOC

Domaine Jean-François Neyroud Fonjallaz -1803 Chardonne (VD)

Finalists

L’Amandier Rouge Fully 2011                                                 AOC Valais

Cave des Amandiers – 1913 Saillon (VS)

 

Evolution 2011                                                                           Genève AOC

Domaine de la Devinière – 1242 Satigny (GE)

 

Melodia 2012                                                                             Rosso del Ticino DOC

Terreni alla Maggia SA – 6612 Ascona (TI)

WHITE, RED AND ROSE WINES WITH RESIDUAL SUGAR FROM 8 G/L

 

First prize

Amigne Grand Cru de Vétroz 2013                                         AOC Valais

Les Celliers de Vétroz – Famille Fontannaz – 1963 Vétroz (VS)

Second prize

Amigne Nobles Cépages 2013                                                AOC Valais

Charles Bonvin SA – 1950 Sion (VS)

Third prize

Viognier de Corin 2013                                                             AOC Valais

Cave de Bretton – 3960 Corin-de-La-Crête (VS)

Finalists

Amigne de Vétroz flétrie sur souche 2010                              AOC Valais

Cave la Madeleine André Fontannaz – 1963 Vétroz (VS)

 

Grains Nobles confidentiel 2005                                              AOC Valais

Domaines Rouvinez – 3960 Sierre (VS)

 

Riesling 2013                                                                            AOC Zürichsee

Weingut Erich Meier – 8707 Uetikon Am See (ZH)

 

SPARKLING WINES

 

First prize                                                                                 Auguste Chevalley non millésimé       La Côte AOC

Uvavins – Cave Cidis SA – 1131 Tolochenaz (VD)

Second prize

Brut Marendaz Impérial Méthode                                            Côte de l’Orbe AOC

traditionnelle non millésimé                                                     Cave de la Combe – 1438 Mathod (VD)

 

Third prize

Bertrand de Mestral Brut non millésimé                                 La Côte AOC

Uvavins – Cave Cidis SA – 1131 Tolochenaz (VD)

Finalists
Mousseux BIO Begnins 2013                                                   La Côte AOC

Domaine la Capitaine Vins BIO – 1268 Begnins (VD)

 

Brut rosé non millésimé                                                           AOC Valais

Jacques Germanier – 1964 Conthey (VS)
Louis Edouard Mauler 2010                                                     Vin mousseux

Mauler et Cie SA – 2112 Môtiers (NE)

 

www.grandprixduvinsuisse.ch