VINEYARDS

Exposed in terraces and almost all in one piece, the Pourtalès Hospital vineyard stretches across the Entre-deux-Lacs region.

Privileged by its sunken exposure, which shelters it from prevailing winds, and by very favorable sunshine, this corner of the world benefits from optimal components to produce expressive wines in both white and red.

The Chasselas, Chardonnay and Pinot noir grape varieties sink their roots into a rocky purple and ochre soil, rich in mineral elements and poor in organic matter. The clay-limestone nature of this soil allows the plants to give the best of themselves with the complicity of the Entre-deux-Lacs microclimate.

At Domaine Hôpital Pourtalès, the head oenologist and his team of winemakers work to enhance these qualities through their expertise and care. They draw on the experience accumulated by previous generations, while remaining open to new cultivation and winemaking techniques.

LES CAVES DE TROUB

The Domaine's cellars in Cressier, named "caves de Troub", are one of those we love to visit.

Passing the door featuring the Pourtalès family coat of arms, a staircase descends to venerable monastic cellars, with ceilings formed of joists supported by wooden pillars. Time has stood still here to such an extent that you can almost make out the cassocked shadows of the Troub monks who first walked these underground spaces.

In the basements of the "Maison de Troub", rebuilt in the mid-18th century, sit magnificent oak tuns that have already housed numerous vintages. These impressive barrels can hold between 2,000 and 4,000 liters of wine. They are replaced every 80 to 100 years.

In 2013, the cellar was enlarged and equipped with a barrel cellar where Domaine Hôpital Pourtalès' finest vintages are bonified.

The Domaine's managers will be delighted to show you around, on one of your next visits for a tasting or reception.