Wines Vaud Louis Bovard - Dézaley Grand Cru Medinette - 2017

Viniou Reviews

The 2017 Louis Bovard Cuvée Dézaley Grand Cru Médinette is a quintessential white wine from the prestigious Vaud region in Switzerland, crafted with meticulous care under the Vaud AOC designation. The wine’s primary grape is Chasselas, a variety renowned for its subtlety and capacity to express its terroir. The Dézaley Grand Cru vineyards are perched on steep, south-facing slopes overlooking Lake Geneva, benefiting from optimal sunlight and the heat reflected by the water. The 2017 vintage presents delicately nuanced aromas: white flowers, orchard fruit, and a hint of honey, all carried by a soft minerality that is the signature of this exceptional terroir. The vinification process is typically carried out in stainless steel to preserve freshness and emphasise purity, allowing the nuanced character of Chasselas and the terroir’s mineral notes to shine through.

The Vaud region is one of Switzerland’s most storied wine areas, with winegrowing roots tracing back to Roman times. The Dézaley vineyard is particularly revered, shaped by centuries of terracing on steep slopes composed primarily of glacial moraine and limestone. This terroir, combined with a temperate climate, creates the ideal conditions for elegant, mineral-driven wines such as this. The close proximity of Lake Geneva moderates temperatures and helps vines ripen fully while retaining their crisp acidity. Historically, wines from Dézaley have been highly prized, deeply woven into the cultural identity of the region.

For food pairing, the 2017 Cuvée Dézaley Grand Cru Médinette’s subtle richness and mineral character make it exceptionally versatile. It pairs naturally with Swiss specialities such as lake fish (fried perch, trout with almonds), cheese fondue, and raclette. Its delicate structure also complements elegant seafood dishes, white asparagus, or chicken in a cream and herb sauce. Thanks to its refined minerality, this wine shines with dishes that favour fresh ingredients and restrained seasoning.

For serving, keep this wine at a cool, crisp 8-10°C to highlight its aromatic complexity and purity. Decanting is not necessary, but allow the wine a few minutes in the glass to open up fully.