Dating from 1584, Clos du Rocher is the most youthful terroir in our portfolio. On March 4th, 1584, a series […]
Keep ReadingDating from 1584, Clos du Rocher is the most youthful terroir in our portfolio. On March 4th, 1584, a series of earthquakes struck the Lac Léman basin, and the medieval village of Yvorne was buried under a rockslide. The survivors salvaged what they could and rebuilt Yvorne at a safer distance from the mountains. For 250 years, the site of the former village was left undeveloped until 1825, when the rockfall was cleared, terraced, and planted with vines. With the completion of its cellars and buildings, Clos du Rocher was founded in 1836, making it one of the oldest estates in our portfolio. While acquired by the Obrist family in 1918, Clos du Rocher remains an independent operation overseen by generations of the Suardet family.
Clos du Rocher occupies the premiere location in Yvorne – a steep site with full southern exposure and backed by a forested mountainside. During the growing season, the temperatures can get quite warm, but the evenings are always cool. Due to the circumstances of its creation, the Clos has deep, permeable soils with layers of loose sandy clay mixed with gravel. Since the 19th century, this site has been regarded as one of Switzerland’s finest terroirs for Chasselas. This reputation has been preserved by the Obrist and Suardet families, who have maintained the original cellar and its large foudres for the fermentation and aging of this iconic Chasselas.
Stunning views of Clos du Rocher
Léonard Pfister (œnologue), Martin Suardet (vigneron), and Jean-Daniel Suardet (former vigneron/Martin’s father)
Vineyards of Obrist
Léonard Pfister (œnologue)
