WELCOME TO DOMAINE ROUVINEZ

First vintage of Tourmentin

Since the 1980s, the two brothers have been innovators in barrel blending. In fact, the launch of Tourmentin in 1983 marked a minor revolution in the Valais winemaking landscape. The first Valais wine to be matured entirely in traditional oak barrels, in 1988 it became the first Valais blended wine to include the canton’s great specialities, Cornalin, Humagne Rouge and Syrah. Today, Tourmentin remains Rouvinez’s undisputed best-seller.

Adoption of integrated production

The Rouvinez brothers have played a pioneering role in the implementation of integrated production throughout their vineyards since 1992, with the aim in particular of safeguarding their heritage. The renunciation of root herbicides, the planting of adapted flora and the regular restoration of dry stone walls are just a few examples that not only contribute to the richness of biodiversity but also harmonise the winegrowing landscape.

Renovation of the cellar on Géronde hill

The renovation of the Géronde cellar in 2007 improved the welcome for visitors and perfected the ageing of the wines. In 2008, Swiss oak tuns with a capacity of 4,000 to 9,000 litres were installed to allow the best vintages to breathe and mature. These imposing tuns, of 100% Swiss design, symbolise the expertise and quality standards of Domaines Rouvinez.

Organic production on some estates

The third generation continues to develop the estate in a sustainable way: part of the vineyard is now cultivated according to organic specifications, and the new Simonit pruning method has been adopted to extend the life of each plant by around ten years.

First organic wine from the Rouvinez family

Finally, in 2019, Domaines Rouvinez is making a name for itself in the world of organic wines with the launch of Nez Noir, an organic red blend. The history of this wine is closely linked to the flock of Nez Noir sheep from the Upper Valais that graze each year in the family’s organic vineyards. Always keen to go the extra mile, the Rouvinez family now owns some of these sheep.

Domaines Rouvinez is a family business founded in 1947 by Bernard Rouvinez, an independent winegrower, and then developed by his two sons, Dominique and Jean-Bernard, both winegrowers and oenologists. The family tradition has continued with the arrival of Véronique Besson-Rouvinez, who is responsible for oenology and quality, Philippe Rouvinez, who is in charge of sales, and Frédéric Rouvinez, who is in charge of vineyard management and administration. From the outset, Rouvinez has distinguished itself by its commitment to top-of-the-range wines, particularly Valais specialities such as Arvine and Cornalin, while constantly innovating in the wine sector.

First vintage of Tourmentin

Since the 1980s, the two brothers have been innovators in barrel blending. In fact, the launch of Tourmentin in 1983 marked a minor revolution in the Valais winemaking landscape. The first Valais wine to be matured entirely in traditional oak barrels, in 1988 it became the first Valais blended wine to include the canton’s great specialities, Cornalin, Humagne Rouge and Syrah. Today, Tourmentin remains Rouvinez’s undisputed best-seller.

Acquisition of the Château Lichten estate

The Rouvinez brothers have played a pioneering role in the implementation of integrated production and respect for the environment, with the particular aim of safeguarding our heritage. The renunciation of root weedkillers, the use of drip irrigation for watering the vines, the planting of adapted flora and the regular restoration of dry stone walls are just a few examples that not only contribute to the richness of biodiversity but also brighten up and harmonise the winegrowing landscape.

Adoption of integrated production

The Rouvinez brothers have played a pioneering role in the implementation of integrated production throughout their vineyards since 1992, with the aim in particular of safeguarding their heritage. The renunciation of root herbicides, the planting of adapted flora and the regular restoration of dry stone walls are just a few examples that not only contribute to the richness of biodiversity but also harmonise the winegrowing landscape.

Drip irrigation application

In 2004, Domaines Rouvinez introduced drip irrigation to all its vineyards. This innovative method optimises the use of water, guaranteeing sustainable management of resources while preserving the exceptional quality of the grape varieties.

Renovation of the cellar on Géronde hill

The renovation of the Géronde cellar in 2007 improved the welcome for visitors and perfected the ageing of the wines. In 2008, Swiss oak tuns with a capacity of 4,000 to 9,000 litres were installed to allow the best vintages to breathe and mature. These imposing tuns, of 100% Swiss design, symbolise the expertise and quality standards of Domaines Rouvinez.

First vintage of Cœur de Domaine

The passion for excellence continues in the third generation, with the creation of three vintages from exceptional terroirs, starting with the 2011 vintage: Cœur de Domaine White, Cœur de Domaine Red and Cœur de Domaine Brut. Produced from the finest terroirs and the noblest grapes, these wines are matured for 12 months in Swiss oak tuns. This range embodies the philosophy of excellence of Domaines Rouvinez since its creation.

Organic production on some estates

The third generation continues to develop the estate in a sustainable way: part of the vineyard is now cultivated according to organic specifications, and the new Simonit pruning method has been adopted to extend the life of each plant by around ten years.

Launch of Échappée beer

In 2017, a slightly crazy idea was born. For the first time in the Valais, a beer literally ‘escaped’ from a Valais cellar. Under Frédéric’s impetus and in partnership with the Liège brewers Curtius, Domaines Rouvinez launched Echappée, a beer brewed in Martigny in the purest style of the great Belgian beers. As soon as it was launched, this unique beer was honoured at the World Beer Awards, winning the title of ‘Swiss Champion’ in the ‘Belgian Pale Ale’ category. In addition to this recognition for the quality of the product, L’Echappée was also awarded the prize for best Swiss design.

First organic wine from the Rouvinez family

Finally, in 2019, Domaines Rouvinez is making a name for itself in the world of organic wines with the launch of Nez Noir, an organic red blend. The history of this wine is closely linked to the flock of Nez Noir sheep from the Upper Valais that graze each year in the family’s organic vineyards. Always keen to go the extra mile, the Rouvinez family now owns some of these sheep.