Le Rhyton d'Or, Leytron

Region : Leytron, Canton of Valais
Owner : Monique Défayes
Cultivated area : 8 hectares
Total production : C'est un secret bien gardé
Number of grape varieties : 12

Valais offers one of the most impressive diversity of grape varieties and wine styles - anywhere in the world! In 2011, while looking for a representative Valais producer, I came across this family business, which was founded in 1848. It was very worth it! Because times are changing. Even though tragic events such as the early death of Monsieur Défayes were a heavy burden on the company, today's women's power was able to turn things around. With courage, assertiveness, enormous knowledge and a constant love of nature, they have literally catapulted the winery back into shape.

A total of eleven different grape varieties are grown and each one receives the necessary care and skill to determine the ideal cuts and optimal harvest times with minimal interference with nature. In the cellar, things continue with great sensitivity and large wooden barrels and stainless steel tanks as well as barriques for the Coeur de Roche line are used for the reds. For the whites, of course, the credo is to keep the wonderful natural scent and the typical palate ticklers as pure as possible in order to express these characteristics unvarnished.

A concentrated, representative selection from Le Rhyton d'Or brings the following wines to German-speaking Switzerland and to your home:

Petite Arvine:

The queen of the white autochthonous varieties of Valais. The fascination begins in the nose with exotic scents of pineapple, lime, grapefruit, lemongrass and floral notes. On the palate, the Petite Arvine from Le Rhyton d'Or achieves masterpieces: powerful and elegant, lively and controlled, extended and accomplished. Great!

Johannisberg :

This grape variety, also known as Sylvaner, thrives on the geologically diverse soils of the Leytron region and is a real terroirist with fruity berry aromas, a delicate scent of flowers and vine blossoms and a very fine acidity with an excellent finish.

Assemblage Rhyton d'Or Blanc:

This unique assemblage of four authentic white Valais grape varieties shows what the sun-drenched locations can produce. It skillfully impresses with its unmistakable typicality and strong character that only exists in Valais.

Humagne Rouge (limited):

Previously referred to as “hell wine”, it is now one of the most popular Swiss red wine specialties . What is striking is the intense wild berry bouquet with vegetal notes and humus and its strong body with plenty of polished tannins and excellent liveliness.

Syrah Coeur de Roche:

The Coeur de Roche line is partly aged in new French barriques and who is better suited for this than the world-famous Syrah ? This variety always feels very comfortable on the Rhône and enjoys the countless hours of sunshine in the Valais to develop an ultra-noble grand seigneur with a lot of melt, bite and a desire for more.

Rhyton d'Or Brut :

Brand new and exclusive, the Mesdames Défayes have created an ingenious sparkling wine oeuvre made from the rare varieties Heida and Pinot Gris and produced using the méthode de gazéification. This produces a superb perlage with the finest bubbles, a delicate bouquet of scents of flowers, apple and lychee and an extravagantly tingling culinary delight. À votre santé!