English
FrançaisDomaine de la Maison Carrée – The Calcareous Purity of Neuchâtel Elevated
Anchored in the village of Auvernier, in the heart of the canton of Neuchâtel, Domaine de la Maison Carrée is one of the most refined names in French-speaking Switzerland. Owned by the Perrochet family since the 16th century, the estate stands as a benchmark for wines of precision, elegance, and profound terroir expression.
A lakeside terroir with calcareous character
The estate cultivates 10 hectares of vineyards between Auvernier and Hauterive, at 440–510 meters above sea level. The calcareous clay soils, rich in minerals and formed by Rhône glacial moraines, have a naturally high pH (7.6–8.1). This rare configuration imparts saline tension and crystalline purity to the wines, enhanced by a cool, breezy microclimate.
Heritage and philosophy
The name “Maison Carrée” comes from a historic family building. For more than four centuries, the Perrochet family has embodied a patient, artisanal approach to viticulture. The estate is farmed organically and biodynamically, with a strong focus on soil health and natural cycles. Gentle vinification and respectful ageing have earned the domaine its reputation as one of Switzerland’s quiet greats.
Grape varieties & style
- Pinot Noir (≈ 50%) — finesse, structure, and energy
- Chasselas (≈ 35%) — freshness, salinity, precision
- Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Savagnin Blanc (≈ 15%) — aromatic complexity and texture
Natural fermentations, slow vinification, and ageing in stainless steel, foudres, or neutral oak shape a style defined by tension, delicacy, and elegance — reminiscent of Burgundy and Jura, yet unmistakably Neuchâtel in identity.
Signature cuvées
- Pinot Noir Hauterive — The flagship wine. Intense, pure, vibrant Pinot with fine structure and radiant fruit. Exceptional ageing potential.
- Pinot Noir Auvernier — More delicate and floral, with an aerial texture. A lace-like Pinot of remarkable precision.
- Chasselas Vieilles Vignes — From old vines, aged on lees. A gastronomic Chasselas with saline elegance and a long, vibrant finish.
- Chardonnay — Fresh, focused, and minerally precise. Careful élevage lends both depth and tension.
- Pinot Gris — Silky and crystalline, with pear and white flower aromas and a graceful finish.
- Savagnin Blanc — A rare cuvée with striking tension and a mineral, vibrant profile, perfect for connoisseurs.
A rare and sought-after production
Production is intentionally limited, with very small quantities for certain cuvées. This artisanal scale, combined with growing recognition among specialist importers, has earned the domaine a reputation as a collector’s gem.
Pairings & Cellaring
| Serving temperature | 10–12 °C (whites) / 14–16 °C (reds) |
| Food pairings | Lake fish, roast poultry, aged Swiss cheeses, refined vegetable dishes |
| Cellaring potential | 5 to 15 years depending on the cuvée |
