Founded in 2008, Alexandre’s Cave des Amandiers comprises 8.5 total hectares: 70% in his home canton of Fully, with 15% in the loess and limestone soils of Saillon, and 15% in nearby Leytron’s decomposed schist. As is often the case in these small Alpine hamlets, Cave des Amandiers’ holdings encompass a plethora of individual parcels—here, over 200 plots with over 70 different landowners. 

Alexandre Délétraz's operation is one of the most recently established in Valais, having been set up in 2008, with his first vintage made in a barn, then a tractor garage in Fully. He moved into his new cellar in Saillon in 2011 and although the winemaking facilities are recent, the work essentially remains artisanal.

The winery itself is situated within a protected national park in Fully, with 3 hectares of vines and 3 hectares of Alpine forest — a fittingly dramatic visual backdrop for such kinetic wines. Alexandre farms these near-vertical slopes completely organically and completely manually; such winegrowing in Fully requires not only savoir-faire but significant bravery and athleticism.

VINTAGE 

1. Cave Des Amandiers Fendant Chasselas 2022 (white wine)

Sourced from a variety of miniscule parcels in Fully, Saillon, and Leytron, Alexandre’s Fendant (Chasselas) is fermented spontaneously and aged for eight months on its fine lees in stainless steel. Less opulent and honeyed than many examples from the Valais, it exemplifies the house style in its chiseled intensity, palpable salinity, and cleanly rendered fruit.

2. Cave Des Amandiers Humagne 2018 (red wine)

From holdings both in Fully and in nearby Saillon, the latter of which possesses soils of clay-limestone and loess, Alexandre’s authoritative, ultra-fresh Humagne Rouge ferments with 80% whole clusters and spends two winters in a combination of barriques and demi-muids. With a mineral undergirding that would make many a Northern Rhône wine taste like fruit juice by comparison, this effortlessly combines elegance and power, with a downright electric palate of remarkable length.

3. Cave Des Amandiers Syrah 2019 (red wine)

Alexandre’s friend Sandrine Caloz likes to quip that the Valais is “the real Northern Rhône” (the river’s source lies nearby), and the Syrah from Cave des Amandiers adds ample fuel to that argument. Sourced from a handful of parcels—some of which are planted to the fabled Serines– in Fully and Leytron, this ferments with 20% whole clusters and spends 18 months in a combination of barriques and demi-muids. With rich but taut dark fruit and gripping but finely rendered tannins, this gives high-toned spice and earthy punch alike, with a vibrant dynamism that is very much a signature of Alexandre’s touch.

4. Cave Des Amandiers Petit Arvine Les Seyes 2018 (white wine)

Coming from the crystalline terroir of Fully, this Petite Arvine Les Seyes is one of the finest in Valais today. In 2018, a ripe and flamboyant vintage, it preserves an almost unexpected freshness with its notes of Williams pear. It is a juicy and intense wine, of great density, free of any varietal and which lingers on stylish bitters.

5. Cave Des Amandiers D'euloz Gamay 2018 (red wine)

The Gamay d'Euloz of Cave des Amandiers is a red wine from the region of Valais.

This wine generally goes well with beef.

6. Cave Des Amandiers Cornalin 2020 (red wine)

Cave des Amandiers' Cuvée Cornalin is made from the Cornalin grape variety, an indigenous Valais grape known for its ability to produce deeply colored and aromatically rich wines. This wine embodies the spirit of Valais with its robust structure and complex aromas, a product of the region's high altitude and rich soils.

Cornalin is particularly suited to red meat dishes, such as roast beef. It is also exceptional with mature cheeses, where its tannins highlight the richness of the cheese flavors.

7. Cave Des Amandiers Grains Noble Arvine 2009 (white wine)

It is a sweet wine made from the Arvine grape variety, known for its aromatic and tasty characteristics. In the glass, the Cave des Amandiers Grains Noble Arvine 2009 typically has a deep golden or amber color, indicating its age and concentration. On the nose, it offers intense aromas of honey, dried apricots, ripe peaches and floral notes, with a hint of spices and a touch of botrytis influence. On the palate, this sweet wine is rich and luscious, with flavors of honeyed stone fruit, dried figs, candied citrus peel, and caramelized sweetness.

8. Cave Des Amandiers Seyes Petite Arvine 2021 (white wine)

This wine is made from the Petite Arvine grape variety, which originated in the region and is known for producing expressive and aromatic white wines. In the glass, the 2021 Cave des Amandiers Seyes Petite Arvine typically has a pale or golden straw colour. On the nose, it offers an inviting bouquet of citrus, such as lemon and grapefruit, as well as floral notes and hints of stone fruit. It can also have subtle mineral nuances that reflect the terroir of the region. 

9. Cave Des Amandiers Petite Arvine En Anzé Saillon 2021 (white wine)

It is made from the Petite Arvine grape variety, which is indigenous to the Valais region and known for producing vibrant and expressive white wines. In the glass, the Cave des Amandiers Petite Arvine En Anzé Saillon 2021 typically has a straw yellow or pale lemon color. On the nose, it offers seductive citrus aromas, such as grapefruit and lemon, as well as floral notes, hints of white peach and a subtle mineral character. On the palate, this wine is typically lively and refreshing, with a medium-bodied texture. It features pungent citrus flavors, including lime and green apple, accompanied by floral undertones and a touch of saltiness.

10. Cave Des Amandiers Petit Arvine Les Seyes 2019 (white wine)

A Swiss white wine with remarkable aging potential that magnifies the aromatic expression of citrus fruits.