The “Bündner Herrschaft” is the Burgundy of Switzerland
Golden larches, blue mountain lakes, white peaks and the canton’s typical delicacies and exquisite wines: There are 42 different type of grape in the Canton of the Grisons along the Rhine, from Glänsch to Malans. Blauburgunder and Pinot Noir are particularly popular. In recent years, the Pinot Noir world championship title went no less than six times to the Canton of the Grisons. Enough reason to take a closer look…
The Donatsch Winery
In Malans, the most southerly village in the Canton of the Grisons with the oldest vineyards, the Donatsch have been pressing exquisite wines, which have long been featuring on the wine lists in the best restaurants, for five generations. Thomas Donatsch planted Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc vines as early as the seventies, getting him into trouble with the authorities. Today his son, Martin Donatsch, twice Pinot Noir world champion, takes care of the superb wines, which can be relished in the in-house wine tavern, Zum Ochsen. Accompanied by Alpine Cheese, Salsiz (air-cured raw sausage) and local barley soup with 19 Gault Millau points.
The Gantenbein Winery
On the edge of the wine-growing village of Fläsch in the Canton of the Grisons, Martha and Daniel Gantenbein make wine that sells on a worldwide scale. One bottle costs over 100 francs. And because they produce in small amounts, it is generally sold out. Quality is more important than quantity and to attain the best quality they make no compromises. For example, the Pinot Noir is no longer filtered or pumped but flows based on the force of gravity. The Pinot Noir claims the largest area in the vineyard, five hectares, Chardonnay is grown on one hectare and Riesling on 0.5 acres. In the modern reception room à table there is only cooking on request, but then to the specific wishes of the customer and to a high standard.
Giani Boner Wine Producer
In the former monastery dome, directly beside the village church, Giani Boner is in the third generation of producers of red and white wines and in particular the speciality Completer. The vines of this indigenous grape variety are over one hundred years old. Golden yellow in the glass and with an opulent bouquet, Completer reveals a veritable firework of flavours. Maturity is between 5 and 25 years.
Alter Torkel – Huus vom Bündner Wii
Fine Dining is a common term that can be found on every website, in Jenins, however, you can experience Fine Wineing. Here in the Alten Torkel, where top chefs are regular patrons, the wine determines the meal and not vice versa. The guest initially selects the flavour of the wine from the menu, then what the head chef, David Esser, recommends with it. This could be a light Rhine Riesling with beef Carpaccio, truffle crème and rocket. Followed by a velvety Completer with mushroom ravioli, a Pinot Noir Unique with Acquerello saffron risotto and scallops, fennel and parmesan and finally a Sauvignon Noble with peaches and white chocolate. There may be other ways to relish life, but this one is hard to beat.
Restaurant Schlüssel
In Restaurant Schlüssel in Mels you have the pleasure of experiencing hearty and at the same time light star cuisine. The king of veal cheeks, Seppi Kalberer, cooked for decades in the historical Patrizierhaus, now his youngest son, Roger Kalberer, has taken his place. The guests dine in the Nidberg room with pine-green wooden panelled walls, tastefully decorated in Biedermeier style. Specialities a la carte or 3 to 7 course menus are served, distinguished with 17 Gault Millau points and a Michelin star.
Restaurant Adler
Restaurant Adler is in the wine-growing village of Fläsch, has 15 Gault Millau points and was voted by the Guide Michelin as one of the most beautiful locations. In autumn there are local game specialities on the menu. Fresh from the hunt. Top chef, Siggi Tschurtschenthaler’s motto: Take 40 percent pleasure, add 30 percent dreams, spice it up with 10 percent exuberance and taste it with 30 percent gratitude. All that makes a wonderful dish – prepared with 110 percent zest for life and passion.
Photos Copyrights: Graubünden Ferien, Obrist und Partner Grafikerinnen & Grafiker, Weingut Donatsch, Weingut Gantenbein, Alter Torkel, Restaurant Adler, Graubünden Tourismus
