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Visual examination The temperature of the wine The olfactory examination Taste sensations 1. Visual examination Colour The wine should be viewed against a white background or light to observe the colour and clarity. For the colour, we can use a colour chart. For example, we can say pale yellow, golden yellow, amber ... for...

What is a Super Tuscan? Known mainly for its Chiantis until the 70s, Tuscany experienced a real wine revolution when Marchesi Antinori bottled his first 'Tignanello'. Composed of a blend of 80% Sangiovese 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, this wine was a real upheaval and questioned the established order. Indeed, the rules of the DOC...

All about the hierarchy of Italian wine appellations If you look at a bottle of quality Italian wine, you will find the following acronyms on the label: DOP, IGP, DOC, DOCG or IGT. What are the differences?In Italy, the system of Italian appellations has evolved considerably since the 1960s. Despite all the richness and diversity of the country,...

All you need to know about Amarone della Valpolicella aging wines The yields are the key to great wines. The lower the volumes of grapes extracted from a single plot, the higher the aromatic and structural quality of the grapes. This is the case with wines from the Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG.The location of the vineyard is paramount, to say...

How to choose the Top 10 best Italian wines? To establish a Top 10 wines of a country or a region is often subjective since appreciations and tastes are different from one individual to another. Nevertheless, it is agreed that certain winemakers and certain vintages often come out on top. Therefore, certain factors are important and serve as a...

Even if a ranking can sometimes seem subjective, it is certain that the national and international recognition of the wines through the vintages and their constant prices are sure values on which to base a ranking. You will find here a top 10 of the most expensive Italian wines, made in no particular order but which we believe is quite...

Like France, Italy has a vineyard with a rich history and all the regions of the peninsula produce wine. So when we talk about typical Italian wines, it is of course difficult to make generalizations because each province of the boot has its own specificities that make them all typical. It is good to first ask the question, what is a typical...

Before exploring the possible food and wine pairings in the Italian peninsula, it seems important to us to address a notion that, according to the philosophy of alfavin.ch, is the foundation of any tasting, whatever it is: pleasure!Without pleasure there is no tasting and even less food and wine pairing. To take pleasure in tasting a wine, a dish,...

What you need to know about Primitivo The first traces of this emblematic grape variety of Puglia wines can be found in the region of Gioia Del Colle, a province located south of Bari. After much scientific research in the United States in California, we know that Primitivo is a variety native to Croatia, known as Zinfandel in the USA and Crljenak...

Unlike countries like France and Spain, Italy is a country where wine is produced in all regions. Nicknamed Oenotria by the Greeks, the Italian peninsula is no stranger to its nickname and the richness of its vineyards is as important as its cuisine. With a favorable climate and a wide variety of soils, Italy has a lot to surprise us. Between the...

Everything you need to know about Spanish food and wine pairing A rich history, a culture resulting from different influences through the past centuries, have shaped the gastronomy in the broadest sense of the term in this beautiful country. As in other countries and regions, the first rule in food and wine pairing is the regional pairing; the...

As with our top 10 Italian wines, establishing a ranking of Spanish wines is a subjective notion, as we do not all have the same tastes or the same rules for establishing this hierarchy. In our case, we have chosen to share with you our ranking and our vision of the wines that represent the best of Spanish wine. How to establish the ranking of the...

The History of Wine in Spain Like many other countries on the old continent, the Iberian Peninsula has a rich and varied history when it comes to its wine. The wine landscape as we know it today is the result of centuries of work. The first traces of vineyards date back to the time of the Phoenicians on the Andalusian coast, near Cadiz. They then...

With the largest vineyard area in the world, Spain offers from north to south and from west to east, a varied range of wines. Like its Latin neighbors, its history goes back to antiquity. Its evolution and how it appears to us today is the result of the work of the Romans, as in many other regions of Europe as well.With a harsh climate, hot and...

Amarone, the star of the Veneto region. With a reputation that today exceeds the borders (of Italy, of course), Amarone has acquired an international status since its wines are found in the four corners of the world and on the best tables of the planet. And yet, it is not the oldest of the wines produced in the Veneto region. Unlike Recioto, which...

Before discussing the possibilities of food and wine pairing in Valpolicella, and in particular Amarone, it is worthwhile to review some of the principles related to food and wine pairing. As mentioned in the article "Which Italian wine for which dish?", one of the points is to choose the wine that will be able to sublimate the dish without...

Located north of Verona and close to the shores of Lake Garda, the Valpolicella wine region is the birthplace of one of Italy's greatest and most renowned wines, Amarone. As a province that is attached to its roots, Valpolicella and its consortium of producers are scrupulous in their care for the wine heritage of this appellation area. With...

If you have never heard the expression "Barolo, king of wines, wine of kings" then this is for you! Probably with Amarone della Valpolicella, one of Italy's best known and most prized denominations of origin. Nestled in the heart of Piedmont, the Barolo vineyard is one of the most beautiful in the region. Known for its gastronomy and in particular...

What to eat with a Barolo? The diversity of red wines found in the Barolo appellation allows for a multitude of food and wine pairings. The cuisine of Piedmont is as rich as its viticulture and as famous as the white truffle of Alba, so the combinations of flavors around Barolo wines are legion. The origin of this local gastronomy lies in the...

Aging your wine is an important step when you decide to build a cellar. One question that is important to ask and that will determine your future purchases is what type of consumer you are. If you are a wine lover who appreciates wines when they are open, expressive, on the fresh fruit, then you prefer to taste wines when they are young. On the...

Like Champagne, Prosecco is now world famous and even sells more than Champagne itself. In 2016, a report published stated that 660 million bottles of Prosecco were sold against 310 million for Champagne. Today, 70% of Prosecco is exported, with an increase in market share of around 15 to 20%. So why such a craze, where does Prosecco come from and...

When you are faced with all these bottles at the wine shop, in a supermarket or in a restaurant, it is sometimes very difficult to find your way around and to choose a particular wine. Crémant, sparkling, sparkling, champagne, and many others. All these terms belong to a single category: sparkling wines. To help you find your way through all...

In this article, Alfavin.ch explains sparkling wine and its production methods in order to understand how the foam is created in a bottle of sparkling wine. In a market that has become international, where many countries produce their own sparkling wines, it is sometimes very difficult for the consumer to find his way. This article will allow you...

If in the past, cocktails were consumed in palaces and large hotels around the world, and reserved for an elite; today they have become more democratic. For the last ten years, we have seen a craze for cocktails and mixology. Many cocktail bars are springing up here and there. A cosmopolitan city like Lausanne is no exception to the rule....

Aperitif drink par excellence, served during events and festive meals, champagne is nevertheless a wine that can be paired with food. From appetizers to desserts, there are a multitude of possibilities. Depending on the champagnes you choose, you can find pairings that enhance both the dish and the champagne itself. From regional pairings to more...

Knowing how this wine is made is a good step in learning about wines and developing one's knowledge. This is especially true since champagne and its production process are unique in the world of wine, so understanding it allows you to better interpret what you have in your glass and to analyze the differences that may exist. Before going further...

As with any other appellation, there is not one price but many, and in order to determine the price there are some important aspects to consider. In addition, it is important to bear in mind that there are several distribution channels, which necessarily imply different prices for the same wine. Whether you buy your wine from the winemaker, from a...

Take a look at our wine tastings in Lausanne on our events calendar.If wine has been at the heart of our cultures for centuries and is anchored in our lives and in our genes, it is really since the beginning of this century that the craze and the thirst for knowledge around this natural product has really exploded. With a world that has become...

Champagne, sparkling, cremant, sparkling, effervescent, Prosecco and many others... In the category of bubbly wines, the terms are numerous and we often tend to get lost in this multitude of denominations, especially since according to the type of wine chosen, the methods of elaboration are not the same, the prices and their differences can be...

Champagne is the wine par excellence when there is an event to celebrate. Wine list, social evenings, family meals, sporting events, and many other occasions, champagne is present everywhere. It is the flagship product when there is someone or something to celebrate. Considered more as a brand than a wine, champagne enjoys an image and a notoriety...

The guide Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) comments on the wines of Clos Mogador 2018. The flagship 2018 Clos Mogador is a blend of 45% Garnacha, 29% Cariñena, 16% Syrah and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon that fermented with natural yeasts and showcases their philosophy—slow fermentations with long maceration and long aging. It matured for 18 months in 2,000-liter oak vats and 30% in 300-liter oak barrels. There was a lot of rain in 2018, and the vineyards were extremely happy and everything seemed very easy; in fact, René Barbier told me it was perhaps too easy

Clos Mogador 2016 (98 RP) Keeping the classical profile, the 2016 Clos Mogador has been fine tuned, reducing the French grapes, and it matured approximately 18 months in oak foudre and barriques. There is a lively sensation on the palate, vivacious and with very fine tannins. It has a meaty touch and feels really young , despite the long élevage....

What is Prosecco? Prosecco is a sparkling white wine made from Glera grapes. Where does Prosecco come from? The appellation is produced in 9 provinces spanning the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia region. The Prosecco Superiore DOCG can only be made in the area of Vadobbiadene hill, the Prosecco DOC Treviso from the area that surrounds the hill...

TASTING IN MAY 2019 TO COMPARE SUPERS-TUSCANS AND THEIRS ALTERNATIVES. WHICH SUPER-TUSCAN SHOULD YOU PUT IN YOUR WINE CELLAR? 30 CLIENTS OF ALFAVIN.CH GOT CHALLENGED. On Thursday, May 16, 2019, La Grappe d'Or restaurant hosted Alfavin.ch's latest event, an exceptional tasting!  A client testimonial: "In the cozy setting of the private room on...

On the occasion of the release of the latest addition to Leone de Castris' new top-of-the-range line, Per Lui Susumaniello, we decided to combine business with pleasure and take a trip to the Apulia region to visit some producer friends and enjoy a few magnificent bottles over an extended weekend. Located in the small town of Salice Salentino, a...

Previously reserved for the wine elites, with sommeliers at the head of the procession, wine tasting has gradually been democratized and is now a popular event for consumers. The vocabulary and gestures of the wine taster, once reserved for professionals and knowledgeable amateurs, are now used by all wine aficionados, both experts and neophytes....

Never before has the world of wine aroused so much interest among the population, professionals aside. In an increasingly connected world, where the sharing of knowledge through articles, blogs, and specialized websites has become plethoric, wine courses have the wind in their sails and are appreciated by wine lovers. Real moments of exchange to...

Nestled in the south of Catalonia, Priorat and Montsant are two very old vineyards that were in perdition at the beginning of the 1990's. Then, thanks to the impulse of a few winegrowers, these terroirs will be reborn and experience a meteoric rise to worldwide recognition. At Alfavin.ch, a wine store specialized in Italian and Spanish wines for...

Take a look at our wine tastings in Lausanne on our events calendar. Discover Italian and Spanish wines in our wine library Want to travel and discover grape varieties and wines typical of their terroirs of origin? At Alfavin.ch, a store specialized in Italian and Spanish wines for 30 years in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, you will find...

Looking for a new idea to relax and have a good time with friends? Alfavin.ch, a store specialized in Italian and Spanish wines for more than 30 years, is there to offer you a moment of conviviality around wine: transmission and sharing are the foundations, you are the actors. Discover our private tastings in the Lausanne area Wine has this magic...

Would you like to know how to taste wine, understand what the word tannin means or just appreciate what you have in your glass? Then don't hesitate any longer and find an oenology and wine tasting course to take your first steps in this fantastic world. A thousand-year-old drink that appeared in the Mediterranean basin, wine then spread to the...

Looking for an idea to thank your employees for their work, to consolidate the team spirit of your company or to invite your customers? Alfavin.ch, specialized in Italian and Spanish wines for 30 years in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, offers to organize your company event in its store in Lonay, between Morges and Lausanne. More than a...

Are you looking for an original gift for a birthday, Christmas or simply to please a loved one? Gift subscriptions in Switzerland are an excellent option to offer regular surprises and to make your friends or family discover new products. In this article, we explain how gift subscriptions work and present you with some unique subscription ideas...

1. Introduction to Wine Clubs in Switzerland Switzerland, a country renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and thriving culinary scene, is also home to a burgeoning wine industry. But fun fact: 98% of the Swiss wines are consumed within the country, but they only represent ⅓ of the total consumption. Wine enthusiasts can explore...

A wine tasting, whether vertical or horizontal, is always a moment out of time, when our senses are awakened to better apprehend and understand what we have in our glass. Unique and suspended, this moment is an opportunity to share emotions, exchange ideas and take pleasure.We sometimes hear wine enthusiasts and professionals talk about vertical...

On Thursday November 16, 2023, 12 lucky wine enthusiasts took part in a Clos Mogador Verticale tasting with René Barbier Jr. The evening took place in two stages at the Vinothèque alfavin.ch in Lonay. During the first, we were able to discover the new 2021 vintages and a new project. The second stage was devoted to a vertical tasting of Clos...