Christophe Abbet

An enigmatic Swiss vigneron with a devoted following, Christophe Abbet is one of Europe’s great underground winemakers with an impressive roster of singular wines.

Since 1985, Christophe has tended just 2.7ha of vineyards around the villages of Martigny and Fully in Switzerland’s Valais. Using top-quality organic farming, he grows tiny quantities of local specialities Ermitage, Petite Arvine, and Chasselas, alongside Gamay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah.

From a converted forge in Martigny-Bourg, Christophe crafts more than twenty bottlings using a range of experimental winemaking methods, including extended elevages and ageing under flor. Bottling without filtration or added sulphur, Abbet’s wines are released only when he feels they are ready to drink, although they also have excellent cellaring potential.

The Arvine has crystalline fruit with alpine freshness, while the Ermitage (Marsanne) is full-bodied and intense – the result of four years in wood and bottle. Aged for 9 years under flor, the Vin de Voile combines a rich texture and spicy nuances.

Showing a lifted, floral-savoury perfume, Abbet’s Syrah shares all the qualities of top Côte-Rôtie, while his bright and tangy Gamay from 40-year-old vines is one of the “best Gamays ever”, according to Jura winemaking legend François Rousset-Martin.

With less than 2% of Swiss wines exported and discerning local drinkers quick to secure the country’s best bottles, few get the opportunity to taste Abbet’s brilliant wines. Now is your chance!

White
Arvine 2019 (£47) Sold out
Pure and crystalline – lemon, jasmine, herbs. Profound and ageworthy. 50cl.

Ermitage Blanc 2018 (£68)  Sold out
Textural and juicy, ripe apricot layered with saline minerality.

Vin de Voile 2010 (£119) Sold out
Fenugreek and cumin. Richly textured and herbal – like Alpine Vin Jaune. 50cl.

Red
Gamay Vieilles Vignes 2020 (£52) Sold out
From 40-year-old vines. Tangy Morello cherry, dried flowers, and fresh herbs.

Syrah 2020 (£68)  Sold out
Perfumed and lifted – violets, roses, and pepper. Long and ageworthy.

Syrah Magnum 2019 (£136) Sold out
Perfumed and lifted – violets, roses, and pepper. Long and ageworthy.

Please note that this offer has expired, however you can check current stocks via the search bar or shop@shrinetothevine.co.uk