Live From the Vines: Domaine Jean-René Germanier
Hosted by Chandra Kurt & Gilles Besse
Founded in 1886 by Urbain Germanier, Jean-René Germanier – one of Switzerland’s most heritage-rich wineries – is now under the stewardship of the eponymous Jean-René and his winemaker nephew Gilles Besse.
Besse was just 24 years old when he was approached by his uncle to join the family winery. A jazz saxophonist by trade, he knew nothing about wine yet hit the books with gusto and in 1993 made his winemaking bow at an estate which has been farmed sustainably for two decades.
Swiss wine expert Chandra Kurt meets the pair, in search not only of more atypical tales, but also the ingredients which have taken this producer to the vanguard of Swiss wine, and its collection of cuvées which celebrate both international and proudly native varietals.
Mitis Amigne de Vétroz 2016
Vétroz Les Terrasses 2020
Clos de la Couta Heida 2019
Clos de la Couta Pinot Noir 2019
Chamaray Cornalin de Conthey 2017
Cayas Syrah du Valais 2018