The wine production company in
Salquenen (Salgesch) in the Swiss canton of
Valais was founded in 1936 by the Mathier-Kuchler family. The name (Ritterweine) is derived from the Order of the Maltese (Johanniter), who had their headquarters in Salgesch from 1235 to 1655. On the bottle labels a Maltese knight in parade uniform is emblazoned. Grapes from a total of 40 hectares of vineyards are processed, of which ten hectares are owned by the company. The wines are vinified classically (no barrique). The main focus of production is on red wines. There are the two wine lines "Chevaliers" and "Réserve des Chevaliers". In both of them a Pinot Noir, a
Dôle (which contains at least 51% of Pinot Noir, compared to at least 51% here 9%5 Pinot Noir, rest Gamay) and an
Oeil de perdrix (lightly pressed from Pinot Noir) are produced. Other wines are the traditional
Fendant (Chasselas) and Johannisberg (Silvaner). Around 800,000 litres of wine are produced annually, eight percent of which is exported. Distillates such as apricot and Williams pear brandy and a
Marc (marc brandy) are also produced.
