Cave des Bernunes: A Masterpiece of Valais Viticulture

Switzerland's Valais region, renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage, also boasts some of the finest and unique wines in the world. Among the premier wineries in this area is Cave des Bernunes, a name synonymous with excellence, tradition, and innovation in Swiss winemaking. So obviously, House of Brews had to check them out. Read on as we explore the history, winemaking philosophy, and exceptional offerings of Cave des Bernunes, highlighting its significant contribution to the Swiss wine scene.

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The Legacy of Cave des Bernunes

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Founded in 1987 in Chippis in Valais, "Les Bernunes" was a very young estate at the time. The winemaking was done in the cellar of the family home. With great attention and respectful work in the vineyard, the estate grew, improving its quality over time. In 1994, the Zufferey family finally built their cellar at Les Bernunes. Expansion work was carried out in 2013 to construct, among other things, a wine workshop, a barrel cellar, a reception hall, and a terrace with a magnificent view of the vineyards.

The family operation employs 5 to 6 people, joined by occasional helpers during pruning and green work. The transmission of knowledge and know-how between generations has begun, with the Zufferey family's second generation (Lucie and Luca) readying themselves to take over the operation.

Respect for the environment, the product, and the terroir is for them a priority. Another focus is the enhancement of the Bernunes terroir. The Zufferey family places the quality of the product at the center of their work, as demonstrated by the creation of a range of wines specific to the Bernunes terroir.

The name "Bernunes" is derived from the local dialect, signifying the winery's deep-rooted connection to the land and the town of Sierre's history. This sense of place is integral to the winery's identity, influencing every aspect of its operations from vineyard management to winemaking techniques.

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Embracing Terroir and Sustainability

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One of the cornerstones of Cave des Bernunes' philosophy is a profound respect for the environment and the natural resources it relies on. The winery practices sustainable viticulture, aiming to preserve the ecological balance of its vineyards. This commitment to sustainability is reflected in the careful management of soil health, the promotion of biodiversity, and the minimal use of chemical interventions. Many plots are for example covered with grass to encourage and preserve biodiversity and soil structure. The winery also employs a unique kind of employee: their horses (Lucie adores them, so you can be sure they are treated like royalty), which work on certain plots for better agronomic respect.

The vineyards of Cave des Bernunes are situated on terraced slopes that benefit from optimal sun exposure and well-drained soils. It also greatly benefits from the Foehn winds, which among other benefits, help concentrate the grapes' aromas and sugar. The diverse terroir, characterized by a mix of alluvial, calcareous, and schist soils, provides a unique environment for grape cultivation. This variety in soil composition imparts distinct characteristics to the wines, enhancing their complexity and depth. Yields are rather low, resulting in optimum, homogeneous maturity.

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Grapes and Signature Wines

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Cave des Bernunes cultivates a wide array of grape varieties, both indigenous and international, each carefully selected to thrive in the Valais terroir. Among the indigenous varieties, Petite Arvine and Cornalin stand out as flagship grapes for the winery.

Petite Arvine is a white grape variety that produces wines with a remarkable balance of acidity and sweetness. Known for its floral aromas and flavors of grapefruit, green apple, and a hint of salinity, Petite Arvine wines from Cave des Bernunes are celebrated for their elegance and precision.

Cornalin, on the other hand, is a red grape variety that yields wines with deep color, rich tannins, and complex aromas of red fruits, spices, and earthy undertones. The winery's dedication to Cornalin has played a significant role in the resurgence of this grape, showcasing its potential to produce world-class wines.

In addition to these indigenous varieties, Cave des Bernunes also excels in cultivating international grapes such as Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay, and my favorite: Muscat. These varieties, adapted to the Valais terroir, result in wines that exhibit a harmonious blend of traditional Swiss characteristics and the classic attributes of each grape.

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The Art of Winemaking

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The winemaking process at Cave des Bernunes is a meticulous blend of tradition and innovation. The winery employs modern techniques alongside age-old methods to ensure the highest quality in their wines. This approach is evident in their careful grape selection, precise fermentation processes, and thoughtful aging techniques.

Harvesting at Cave des Bernunes is done by hand, ensuring that only the best grapes are selected. This labor-intensive process allows for greater control over the quality of the fruit, which is crucial for producing premium wines. The grapes are then gently pressed, and fermentation takes place in a combination of stainless steel tanks and oak barrels, depending on the desired style of the wine.

Each year, innovative techniques are tested on a small portion of the harvest, but the winemaking process largely adheres to traditional methods. The goal is to preserve the wine's organoleptic qualities and respect the integrity of the product. Aging is a critical component of the winemaking process at Cave des Bernunes. Select wines are aged in oak barrels, both new and old, for two years. This aging process imparts subtle flavors and enhances the complexity of the wines. I can highly recommend their barrel-aged Pinot noir and Cornalin wines, which were truly exceptional. The winery also experiments with amphorae and other innovative aging vessels, seeking to bring out unique characteristics in their wines.

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Recognition and Awards

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Cave des Bernunes has earned numerous accolades and awards, affirming its status as a leading producer of Swiss wines. Their wines have consistently received high scores from critics and have been awarded at prestigious wine competitions. This recognition is a testament to the winery's unwavering commitment to quality and its ability to craft wines that stand out on the international stage.

The winery's dedication to excellence is also reflected in its certifications and memberships in esteemed wine organizations. Cave des Bernunes is a member of Vinea, an association that promotes the best wines of Valais, and adheres to strict quality standards that ensure the integrity of their wines.

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Our Visitor Experience

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For wine enthusiasts and visitors to the Valais region, Cave des Bernunes offers an exceptional experience that goes beyond a typical wine tasting. The winery welcomes guests to explore its picturesque vineyards, learn about its sustainable practices, and indulge in guided tastings of their exquisite wines.

The tasting sessions at Cave des Bernunes are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of their winemaking philosophy and the unique attributes of their wines. Visitors have the opportunity to taste a variety of wines - and when their kitchen is open for business, you can even pair them with the local produce they make from the farm. We recommend you try the duck tartar, it was definitely unique and delectable.

The winery's location next to Sierre provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, creating a serene and idyllic setting for a wine tour. The warmth and hospitality of the team at Cave des Bernunes ensure that every visitor feels welcome and leaves with a deeper appreciation for Swiss wine. Everyone we interacted with were super friendly and helpful.

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Cave des Bernunes: worth a stop?

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Cave des Bernunes stands as a beacon of excellence in Swiss viticulture, embodying the perfect blend of tradition, innovation, and respect for the environment. Through their meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to quality, the winery has crafted a portfolio of wines that offer excellent wines, as well as truly unique ones (seriously, try the Muscat!). From their indigenous grape varieties like Petite Arvine and Cornalin, to surprising wines such as the dry Muscat, the Cave des Bernune's seamless integration of modern and traditional winemaking techniques continues to showcase and push the boundaries of what Swiss wine can achieve.

And on top of it all, they also host regular music concerts and events, have really great food coming straight from their farm, and a fantastic terrace to enjoy it all. For those seeking to explore the rich tapestry of Swiss wines, a visit to Cave des Bernunes offers an unforgettable journey through the heart and soul of Valais winemaking. With each bottle, they not only present the unique flavors of their terroir but also share a piece of their heritage and passion for the art of winemaking.

Thanks again to Lucie and Luca, we look forward to our next visit!

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