The name NEZ NOIR is inspired by our flock of sheep of the same name.

Every year, between mid-March and mid-April, we let them graze for a few weeks in our vineyards. This is how we maintain the soil, in complete tranquillity and in perfect harmony with nature.

Once this work is complete, and the vines begin to grow, we move our sheep to our extensive meadow at Crêtillon in the Sierre region.

In early summer, during the Inalpe, they return to their homeland, first at Schweifine at 2300m, then at Triftchumme at 2700m. Up there, facing the Matterhorn and in the Zermatt municipality, they are sheared twice during the season, producing a few kilos of high-quality wool.

Like our star grape varieties, Arvine and Cornalin, Nez noir sheep from the Upper Valais are an “indigenous”, 100% Valais breed.

Thanks to their strong constitution and thick wool, they adapt particularly well to the region’s harsh climatic conditions. While the number of Nez noirs was falling sharply, there is now a renewed interest in the breed. This is particularly true since the British awarded it the title of “cutest of the world”. Now it’s being exported. They can be found in Great Britain, New Zealand and the United States. And, of course, in the Clos St Marcel and Crêta Plan vineyards!

For the “NEZ NOIR” wines, we have chosen a Burgundy-type bottle, which is characterized by its lightness. It requires less glass, and therefore less material and energy to produce.

What’s more, this lightweight bottle is manufactured in St-Prex at the plants of our supplier Vetropack, which considerably reduces the carbon footprint associated with transport. The same goes for transporting the full bottles to you: our lighter trucks consume less fuel.

Our “Nez Noir” wines are undoubtedly among the most “eco-friendly” in Switzerland.