61 \ ALTITUDE After an apprenticeship as a winemaker, he continued his training in Changins, where he obtained his diploma. Subsequently, he completed several advanced training internships that took him to Germany and South Africa. THE ART OF PINOT Today, he cultivates two hectares of vines from which he produces 14 different wines. He mostly works alone. Occasionally, he relies on the help of his family and workers for the harvest or bottling. In addition to red and white blends that enhance aperitifs in an appealing way, he excels in the creation of Pinot Noir. «Our terroir is well-suited to this grape variety. In our region, we have schist soils (flaky andmineral rich) characterized by their moisture, but we also benefit from optimal sunlight, » says Gilles Berclaz. MODESTY AND SATISFACTION His skill as a craftsman has not gone unrecognised. In 2021, 2023, and 2024, the Sinclair Winery won three Gold Medals at the Mondial du Pinot. It should be noted that all other editions allowed it to win a Silver Medal. The Valais Wine Competition «Les Étoiles du Valais » is among the competitions where his creations, such as Dôle, have also shone. OFF THE BEATEN PATH In terms of grape variety combinations, Gilles Berclaz dares to make original combinations. Such is the case with his red barrel blend, which includes Pinot Noir, Cornalin, and Gamay. «This wine has a slight sweetness. Among my clients are true enthusiasts of this type of wine. I also realised that more and more of them serve red wine for the aperitif. This blend was born from these observations, » notes Gilles Berclaz. Regarding the evolution of consumption habits, the wine producer of Loc has noticed the return of grape varieties that had been abandoned, such as Muscat. The enthusiasm for rosé is also evident in Valais. Dry and semi-sweet wines are increasingly popular. MAKING IT KNOWN To promote his nectars, Gilles Berclaz participates in open cellar events that take place every weekend during Ascension in the canton. Additionally, he organizes a second series of open days in December. He also participates in an event in the Jura, in Delémont. «Eighty-five percent of my clientele are private individuals. The rest is divided between cafes, restaurants and hotels. Half of my clients come from regions outside of Valais, » adds Gilles Berclaz. IN CRANS-MONTANA Locally, he is part of the committee of the Association of Wine Producers of the Haut-Plateau. This professional group, which brings together 20 producers, participates in organizing elegant summer concerts called «Wine and Music» on the shores of Lake Ycoor. «On a more personal level, my priority is not to expand my winery. What is most important to me is quality. So, I focus on that aspect. My goal is simple : always succeed in offering the best wines possible, » Gilles Berclaz sums up.
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