Weingut Wegelin
A gem of Grisons
Last autumn, as the final rays of the sun bathed the golden hills of Grisons, I had the chance to visit Weingut Wegelin in Malans. It was there, amidst the “Scadena” vineyards and the Bothmar Castle, that I met Mathilde Hug Pédeutour, the passionate oenologist of the estate. The visit began in an enchanting setting, where the harvest had just ended and the trees were adorned with their most beautiful autumn colors. A perfect atmosphere to discover the treasures of this unique place.
Upon my arrival, I was warmly welcomed by Mathilde, whose generosity reflects the spirit of Weingut Wegelin. We started our visit with a tour of the wine cellar, a modern and bright building overlooking the vineyards. Mathilde took the time to share her passion and expertise with me, revealing the secrets of each vintage with great precision and attention.
Weingut Wegelin stands out for its terroir wines, crafted with meticulous attention to each plot. Every parcel is carefully tended, allowing the vines to express the full richness of their native soil. Since the 2022 vintage, all the estate’s wines have been Demeter certified, highlighting their commitment to sustainable and environmentally-friendly viticulture. Rafael Hug, a native of Malans, brings unique expertise to the estate. After studying soil and natural resources at the University of Vienna, he returned to his roots to apply his knowledge to viticulture.
The soil in Malans, composed mainly of schist and limestone, imparts remarkable minerality to the wines. The vines, caressed by a favorable microclimate, benefit from an ideal exposure that promotes optimal ripening of the grapes. This unique combination of terroir and climate produces authentic wines characterized by great finesse and aromatic precision. The estate produces about 60,000 bottles per year, focusing on two distinct ranges: local wines and terroir wines, including the prestigious “Scadena,” “Bothmarhalde,” and “Weisstorkel” cuvées. While Pinot Noir remains the flagship grape, white wines, particularly Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay, now represent half of the production.
My favorites from the estate:
Bothmarhalde Chardonnay :
This Chardonnay, aged for 12 months in barrels and 6 months in stainless steel tanks, is the latest addition to Weingut Wegelin’s range. From the first nose, it captivates with its complexity and intensity. Notes of yellow stone fruits harmonize with subtle hints of pineapple, ripe lemon, quince, and chamomile. Aromas of orange zest enrich this olfactory bouquet, all wrapped in a fine minerality reminiscent of Bothmarhalde’s limestone terroir.
On the palate, this Chardonnay is structured and elegant, with a beautiful amplitude and a silky texture. The balance between acidity and richness is perfectly mastered, offering a sensation of freshness and roundness. The long and persistent finish is distinguished by a delicate mineral and slightly salty note, evoking the richness of the terroir. This wine is complex and refined, sure to captivate lovers of great Burgundian Chardonnays.
Weisstorkel Blauburgunder :
The Weisstorkel Blauburgunder is a powerful and spicy Pinot Noir, marked by a baroque richness that reflects the ancient history of this vineyard located at the western exit of Malans towards Jenins. The wines from this parcel are robust and spicy, mirroring their terroir. This Blauburgunder is a masterful expression of the estate’s tradition and craftsmanship, with great depth and complexity.
On the nose, this Blauburgunder reveals intense aromas of ripe red fruits, black cherry, and plum, enhanced by spicy notes of black pepper and clove. On the palate, it is powerful and structured, with fine and silky tannins that provide a beautiful texture. The long and persistent finish is marked by notes of underbrush and truffle, testament to the grapes’ great maturity. A memorable tasting experience.
During this visit, I discovered not only exquisite wines but also a philosophy of respect and passion for the land. Mathilde Hug Pédeutour, Rafael Hug, and the entire team have created a place where every visitor feels welcomed and every wine tells a story. For those looking to discover the wine treasures of Grisons, a visit to Weingut Wegelin is a must. You will leave enchanted, inspired, and eager to return, again and again.
For more information, feel free to visit their website: Weingut Wegelin