Viniou Reviews
Domaine La Rochette’s Cuvée Rissieux 2018 from Neuchâtel AOC is an elegant red wine that beautifully expresses the delicate charm of Swiss Pinot Noir. Grown on the gentle slopes of the Jura foothills, the vines benefit from a cool continental climate tempered by the nearby Lake Neuchâtel, which helps to reduce frost risk and ensures a long, slow ripening season. The terroir is characterised by limestone-rich soils, imparting finesse and minerality to the wine. The 2018 vintage, marked by a warm summer and well-timed rainfall, produced grapes of perfect maturity. Domaine La Rochette adopted traditional vinification practices, with gentle extraction and maturation in neutral vessels, allowing purity of fruit and terroir expression to shine.
Neuchâtel, one of Switzerland’s oldest winegrowing regions, boasts a viticultural history dating back over a thousand years. The region specialises in crisp, precise whites and refined reds, particularly from Pinot Noir, which covers most of the red plantings. The classic Neuchâtel profile is driven by finesse rather than power, a direct consequence of the region’s cooler climate and limestone-rich soils. The area is also famed for its “Oeil-de-Perdrix,” a pale rosé style, but its reds are increasingly gaining recognition for their Burgundian elegance, subtle red fruit and vibrant acidity.
Pairing the Cuvée Rissieux 2018 is a pleasure due to its delicacy and freshness. It shines alongside roast poultry such as guinea fowl or duck breast with a cherry reduction, as well as delicate veal dishes or mushroom risottos. Regional specialities like Swiss cheese fondue with charcuterie or rösti with wild mushrooms make for delightful, authentic matches. The wine’s lively acidity and subtle tannins also pair well with cold cuts and pâté en croûte.
For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at a cool 14-16°C. A brief decantation (30 minutes) can help reveal its aromatic nuances. Enjoy it within the next three to five years to appreciate its youthful fruit and mineral finesse at their peak.
