Why Wine Is an Attitude & How Georgian Amphorae Found Their Way to the Valais
Wine is not alcohol, but a staple food for the soul – at least in the Valais. In this premiere episode of Genusswelten, host Bernd Schmellenkamp invites to the table the man behind one of Switzerland’s most renowned wineries: Amédée Mathier.
We take a look behind the scenes at Albert Mathier & Söhne in Salgesch. It is the story of a family that has preserved tradition since 1928, yet has never stood still. Amédée explains why he never wanted to become a pilot or a banker – and why the vine has always been at the centre of his life.
Topics of This Episode
Amphora pioneering work
Amédée Mathier is a pioneer. He was the first to bring the UNESCO-listed cultural heritage of clay amphorae buried in the earth – known as kvevris – from Georgia to the Valais. Discover what makes this ancient wine so special and why it tastes best unfiltered.
Enjoyment on Rails with the Gourmet Train
Amédée speaks enthusiastically about the exclusive partnership with the Matterhorn Gotthard Railway. In the Gourmet Train’s panoramic carriage, guests enjoy Valais specialities and perfectly matched Mathier wines while the Alpine scenery glides by.
Quality and Preconceptions
Forget the label and the price. Amédée explains why wine is a people business and shares a crucial piece of advice on how beginners should truly taste wine.
A Vision for the Future
We talk about the trend towards precision in the glass, biodynamic viticulture and Amédée’s vision for the 2026 vintage.
We are doers, not theorists.
Tune in to hear how world-class quality is created from grapes, craftsmanship and a touch of family unity.
Kapitelmarken
00:00 Begrüßung Bernd Schmellenkamp und Amédée Mathier
02:15 Kindheit im Wallis und Liebe zum Genuss
04:40 Berufung Winzer und warum es keinen Plan B gab
08:30 Familien DNA und unterwegs in den Seitentälern
13:10 Der Gourmet Train und die Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn
16:20 Weinbewahrung in Klöstern und Bibliotheken
21:30 Kontroverse Warum Wein kein Alkohol sondern Nahrungsmittel ist
25:00 Qualität erkennen Wein als Vertrauenssache
28:45 Das Wallis als Terroir Sonne Wind und Rhone
32:10 Die Amphoren Story Georgien trifft Salgesch
36:40 UNESCO Weltkulturerbe Kvevris
38:15 Exklusiv Ankündigung des neuen Initiationsweins 2026
41:40 Weinkritiker und die Coca Cola Welt des Geschmacks
46:10 Biodynamik bei Mathier Respekt vor der Natur
48:00 Rat für Einsteiger Mut zum Probieren
49:30 Zukunftsvision Präzision im Schweizer Weinbau
53:25 Die letzte Frage Welcher Wein für den Rest des Lebens
