château lichten
30 years of boldness on the heights of Leuk
Château lichten
30 years of boldness on the heights of Leuk
The Château Lichten range
From a bold gamble to an essential signature
Born on the steep slopes of Leuk, the Château Lichten range is the result of a rare location, a strong commitment and a clear vision: to produce speciality wines from Valais with a strong identity. Today, the range consists of two iconic cuvées: an expressive Petite Arvine and a racy red blend of Cornalin, Humagne Rouge and Syrah.
These wines are a faithful reflection of their terroir of origin: filtering limestone soil, sun-drenched terraces, generous altitude and the philosophy of Domaines Rouvinez: to produce wines of character, authentic and elegant, with strong local roots.
Conceived as a confidential but ambitious range, Château Lichten also embodies a legacy: that of a transformed wine estate, replanted with speciality grape varieties at a time when no one else dared to do so. Thirty years later, the range has established itself as a signature in its own right in the Valais wine landscape.
The history of the range
Purchased in 1990 from the Tavelli family, Château Lichten marked a turning point for the Rouvinez family. At the time, the 10 hectares of vines were still planted with traditional grape varieties such as Fendant, Johannisberg and Gamay. Rather than keeping them, the family took a gamble: they pulled everything up and replanted with then little-known specialities such as Petite Arvine, Cornalin, Humagne Rouge and Syrah.
This visionary choice gave rise to a unique range of wines, which today celebrates 30 years of character. The domaine has become a testing ground, but also a symbol of renewal in the Valais vineyards.
The selected grape varieties
Château Lichten is now planted exclusively with speciality grape varieties: Petite Arvine, Syrah, Cornalin and Humagne Rouge.
These are demanding varieties, but they are capable of accurately expressing the uniqueness of the Leuk terroir: sandy soil on limestone layers, highly permeable, which particularly influences the Petite Arvine with its citrus notes and salty tension.
The hillside exposure, between 600 and 850 metres above sea level, guarantees slow and regular ripening, ideal for these noble grape varieties.
An open-air laboratory
As soon as the estate was replanted, Château Lichten became a real testing ground for innovation for Domaines Rouvinez. Several techniques were developed here before being rolled out more widely:
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Integrated production: a subtle balance between the vines, fauna and flora on the estate, with very limited use of plant protection products. Numerous Mediterranean species were planted to stabilise the terraces without competing with the vines.
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Drip irrigation: a pioneering solution installed in 1991 to cope with water shortages, distributing every drop sparingly.
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Terraced vineyard: laid out on steep slopes, it facilitates light mechanical work while optimising sunlight exposure and the quality of the harvest.
Petite Arvine Château Lichten
Petite Arvine Château Lichten is a dry, vibrant white wine made from a native Valais grape variety. It seduces with its citrus and rhubarb aromas, its salty freshness and its remarkable balance.
Vinification: in vats on fine lees
Ageing potential: 3 to 6 years
Alcohol content: 12.5% vol.
Château Lichten Rouge
Château Lichten Rouge is a harmonious blend of Cornalin, Syrah and Humagne Rouge, a full-bodied wine with notes of wild fruit, an elegant structure and a lovely long finish.
Vinification: in vats
Ageing potential: 3 to 6 years
Alcohol content: 12.5% vol.