Important AOC classified wine-growing municipality (Salgesch) in the Swiss canton of
Valais. It is situated exactly on the border formed by the Raspille stream between the German-speaking Upper Valais and the French-speaking Lower Valais. Over 40 winegrowers cultivate around 200 hectares of vineyards. Nearly 90% of the vineyards are planted with red wine varieties, especially Pinot Noir, which is due to the predestined soil with its high lime and magnesium content. Salquenen was the first Swiss municipality to introduce the first Swiss Grand Cru wine and thus a controlled designation of origin in 1988. Until 2006, only Pinot Noir was permitted. From the 2007 harvest onwards, the varieties Cornalin d'Aoste (Cornalin), Cornalin du Valais (Rouge du Pays) and Syrah were also permitted. The yield is limited to a maximum of 0.8 kg/m² of grapes. The
must weight must be over 96 °Oechsle.
In addition, only grapes that have been cultivated according to the
KIP (Controlled Integrated Production) method, i.e. in an environmentally friendly manner, are permitted. Sweetening or blending as well as ageing in barriques is expressly prohibited. After maturing for at least 15 months, the wines are tasted by a national commission. Only with at least 18 (to 20) points the wine may call itself "Grand Cru of the municipality Salgesch". The bottles are marked with a golden label with the community emblem of the Johanniter Cross (Maltese Cross). Well-known production companies are for example
St. John's Winery,
Nouveau Salquenen and
Vins des Chevaliers.