Hospices de Salquenen – where history meets character
The Cave de l’Hospice de Salquenen is more than just a winery – it is an impressive symbol of the revival of old traditions in a modern form. Founded by Diego Mathier, one of Switzerland’s most successful and renowned winegrowers, this Domaine project has a history stretching back over 700 years. As early as 1325, the Knights of St. John founded a hospice for pilgrims and travelers in Salgesch. Even then, wine played a central role, both as a means of enjoyment and as an expression of cultural identity. The wine line bears the signature of the Adrian & Diego Mathier Nouveau Salquenen winery, who embody the connection between tradition, terroir and modern winemaking as a formative personality and namesake.
Diego Mathier, who has been shining for decades with his elegant, award-winning wines, is opening a new chapter with the Cave de l’Hospice de Salquenen. His aim here is to create wines with a strong character that uncompromisingly reflect the terroir and consciously differ from the elegant line of his parent company. The wines of the Cave de l’Hospice de Salquenen are special wines that bring the history and character of the place to life in every glass. The traditional Maltese cross in the Salgesch coat of arms is a reminder of this long wine-growing history and the connection to the former leasehold by the Knights of St. John.
Philosophy and aspiration at Diego Mathier
“Straightforward, spirited, grounded” – this is how Mathier describes the signature of the Cave de l’Hospice de Salquenen. The wines are not intended to be smooth, but to reflect the Valais terroir in its purest form with rough edges. Mathier relies on old vines with enormous potential: the Pinot Noir plots are over 100 years old and produce small-berried, highly aromatic grapes of exceptional quality.
The focus is on single-varietal wines – in complete contrast to blends, i.e. the targeted blending of different lots, which also produces a complex and harmonious wine. These quality products result in wines that present their origin unadulterated and at the same time meet the highest standards.
The aim: to vinify wines that are more than just enjoyment. Wines that tell stories, that honor tradition and yet are interpreted in a modern way. Every bottle of the new Domäne follows this high standard, which is supported with precision and passion by a motivated team throughout the company.
The wine lines: La Folie and more
The first line of the project, La Folie, exemplifies this philosophy. The French expression “C’est de la folie!” – in the best sense of “this is crazy!” – perfectly describes the uncompromising quality standards of these wines. La Folie comprises five top wines from strictly selected plots:
- Pinot Noir from vines up to 100 years old from Gravelone near Sion
- Cornalin from Salgesch
- Syrah from the Champs Marais
- Heida from Turtmann
- Ermitage from Sion
Each wine is vinified with the utmost care and benefits from processing that is largely done by hand. A great deal of time is deliberately devoted to perfect refinement in order to create complexity, depth and expressiveness. These wines also reveal a complex aroma, which is often enriched by notes of fine spices, thus offering even more diversity.
Further lines are already planned – each with its own story and a clear, purist character, but remaining true to the goal of bringing the reflections of the Valais terroir uncompromisingly into the glass.
Viticulture and production
Viticulture at the Cave de l’Hospice de Salquenen combines state-of-the-art cellar technology with the in-depth experience of Diego Mathier and his team. The focus is on work in the vineyard, where old vines are given special care in order to maximize their potential. Manual harvesting, careful selection and gentle vinification guarantee that only the best grapes reach the cellar.
There they are processed under strict quality control. Mathier attaches particular importance to ensuring that the wines retain their character during ageing and are given a fine finish thanks to subtle notes of wood. The result is a range that also attracts a great deal of attention in the wine trade. Despite this uncompromising philosophy, the prices of the wines remain fair and accessible to a wide audience.
The Cave de l’Hospice de Salquenen also offers activities such as tastings or guided tours, where visitors can gain fascinating insights into philosophy and history.
Region and landscape
Salgesch and its surroundings are among the most traditional wine regions in Switzerland. Characterized by hot summers, cool nights and mineral soils, the vineyards here produce grapes of incomparable quality.
The climate combined with centuries of experience in viticulture forms the basis for these special wines. Visitors can not only discover great wines, but also experience a piece of Swiss cultural history. The coat of arms of Salgesch with the Maltese cross still symbolizes the deep connection between tradition, community and wine culture.
Successes and recognition
Diego Mathier has already enjoyed impressive success with the launch of the new La Folie line. Trade journalists praise the uncompromising style, which brings out the character of the terroir in a unique way. Mathier himself is already regarded as one of Switzerland’s most highly decorated winemakers and is a multiple Swiss Winemaker of the Year.
With the Cave de l’Hospice de Salquenen, he proves once again that innovation and respect for tradition are not opposites, but rather form a symbiosis that produces top wines and raises Valais wine culture to a new level.
Frequently asked questions about the Cave de l’Hospices de Salquenen winery
Where is the Cave de l’Hospice de Salquenen located?
The Cave de l’Hospice de Salquenen is located in Salgesch, in the Valais, in the middle of the traditional wine-growing region along the Rhône.
What does the name “La Folie” mean at Cave de l’Hospice de Salquenen?
“La Folie” is French for “madness” and alludes to the passionate, uncompromising quality standards of this wine line.
Which grape varieties are vinified at the Cave de l’Hospice de Salquenen?
Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cornalin, Heida and Ermitage in particular are vinified and develop their full expressive power thanks to careful processing.
Can you visit the winery?
Yes, guided tours and tastings are possible by appointment and offer an exciting insight into the philosophy, cellar technology and history of the Hospice de Salquenen.
What is so special about the wines of the Cave de l’Hospice de Salquenen?
The wines are characterized by their purist, unadulterated style, show intense reflections in the glass, as well as a clear, spicy and authentic character at fair prices.