Wines Neuchâtel PDO Domaine La Rochette - Virgas - 2019

Viniou Reviews

Domaine La Rochette’s Cuvée Virgas 2019 from Neuchâtel AOC is an elegant Swiss red that showcases both the distinctiveness of its region and the subtlety of its varietal blend. Typically, red wines from Neuchâtel are dominated by Pinot Noir, which thrives in the region’s cool climate. The 2019 vintage benefited from a warm, balanced season, resulting in grapes with refined ripeness and excellent freshness. This cuvée offers delicate aromas of red cherry, wild raspberry, and hints of forest floor, while the palate reveals silky tannins, bright acidity and a nuanced minerality reflecting its limestone-rich terroir. The winemaking at Domaine La Rochette emphasises respect for tradition with modern precision: careful destemming, gentle extraction, and maturation in neutral vessels to preserve purity of fruit.

Neuchâtel lies in Western Switzerland, nestled between the Jura mountains and Lake Neuchâtel. This unique setting creates a temperate, continental climate with notable diurnal variation, essential for developing nuanced aromas and balancing acidity in the grapes. The calcareous marl and clay soils impart characteristic finesse and minerality to the wines. Neuchâtel has a long history of quality winemaking dating back to Roman times, and Pinot Noir has long been a mainstay of the region’s red wine, increasingly joined with judicious blends and new winemaking styles from committed producers like Domaine La Rochette.

Cuvée Virgas, with its vibrant fruit and supple texture, is particularly well suited to delicate dishes. Consider serving alongside Swiss cuisine such as viande séchée (air-dried beef), rösti with wild mushrooms, or a creamy chicken with morel sauce. Its freshness and balance also work beautifully with poultry, grilled river fish, or a lightly spiced vegetable tart. For a traditional pairing, savour it with Tête de Moine cheese from nearby Jura.

To fully appreciate this wine’s aromatic complexity and structure, decant for 20–30 minutes before serving. The optimal serving temperature is 14–16°C, which will enhance its fruit expression and accentuate its refined mineral backbone—an invitation to discover the quiet elegance of Neuchâtel in your glass.