Magliocco
It was a Saturday, under a soft autumn light, when I met Mikaël Magliocco at the foot of the Haut-de-Cry in Chamoson. The golden rows of vines stretched as far as the eye could see, blending into the horizon, framed by the imposing mountain. As we strolled through the vineyards, Mikaël took the time to explain every detail to me, from grape variety selection to soil management, and the subtle climate nuances that shape each vintage. This landscape, sculpted by centuries of hard work, offered a natural backdrop worthy of the wines crafted here. Every aspect of the terroir, from the rocky soils to the winds sweeping through the vineyards, revealed the strength and uniqueness of this Valais land.
Mikaël Magliocco is the heir to a long family tradition, but his approach is firmly future-oriented. His deep connection to the Chamoson vines is evident in every step of his work. The estate spans 7 hectares, where each plot is carefully tended to bring out the best of the local terroir. Their philosophy is rooted in organic viticulture, having abandoned synthetic products in favor of a sustainable, biodiversity-friendly approach. The bees are happy, and so am I.
The tasting began with the Petite Arvine, a white wine emblematic of Valais. From the very first sip, its liveliness grabbed me. Fresh, vibrant, with a minerality that evokes the rocky slopes where the grapes ripen. Its saline finish extends the experience, leaving a lasting memory of this rugged and generous land on the palate. This wine strikes a delicious balance between citrus notes and well-rounded acidity—simply harmonious.
The Nuance Blanche and Noire cuvées showcase the art of blending. The white version, with its almost poetic floral delicacy, unveils white-fleshed fruit on the palate, with subtle hints of spice that add an unexpected complexity. Each sip reveals a new layer, a slow yet steady progression that holds your attention. This blend has already become my go-to for aperitifs, delicate starters, or perfectly cooked lake fish. In contrast, the black cuvée surprises with its depth. Ripe red fruit aromas, intertwined with spicy and licorice accents, unfold on the palate, supported by fine tannins that promise a beautiful evolution. Pure indulgence!
Then came the Cornalin, a bold red that instantly commands attention. From the first nose, aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and forest floor enveloped me. This wine, both complex and structured, exudes a unique elegance. The strength of the tannins is well-controlled, and it quickly becomes clear that this Cornalin is built to age—further confirmed when tasting a perfectly mature vintage.
The story of this estate is closely intertwined with that of the Magliocco family. Mikaël’s grandfather, a visionary Italian who arrived in the 1950s, began this adventure by investing in vines and land. Daniel, with his natural instinct for the vine, carried this legacy forward with dedication, and today Mikaël continues to write the next chapter. Each generation has left its mark, and with the shift to organic practices, which began over a decade ago, the wines are evolving toward an even purer expression of the terroir. The whites, like the Petite Arvine, have become drier, with a more pronounced minerality, while the reds, such as the Cornalin, have gained in density and complexity.
As I left the estate, I couldn’t help but feel a certain emotion as I reflected on each wine I tasted. Every cuvée already inspires pairing ideas: the liveliness of the Petite Arvine with a fresh fish ceviche, the depth of the Cornalin with a grilled red meat, or the Cuvée Noire for a long Sunday family feast. These wines don’t just impress—they invite you to share them, to create memories, and trust me, my friends aren’t complaining.
Find his wines in our food and wine pairing tool or directly on his website: https://maglioccovins.ch/