The Valais, stretching along the Rhône in the southwestern part of the country, is the most important wine-growing region in Switzerland. On its steep slopes, it is home to many typically Valaisan grape varieties, as well as some long-established varieties such as Pinot Noir and Gamay, which notably make up the type of Valaisan red wine called Dôle. It is here that Marc Balzan – a Savoyard, ex-restaurant industry – and Andrea Grossmann – a trained teacher from Zurich – chose to establish their micro-domain in 2010.

Domaine Chèrouche ("under the rock") is located in the Valais region, on the right bank of the Rhône upstream of Lake Geneva, in Argnou, one of the villages that make up the commune of Ayent. The vines – a small vineyard of 8 parcels, totalling 1.6 hectares – are situated on the hillside at 600-850m altitude on predominantly schist terroir, facing southeast, and are cultivated according to organic and biodynamic practices and a "natural" philosophy. Les Noces de la Madeleine, in the style of Valaisan Dôle, is composed of Pinot Noir complemented by Gamay, vinified with whole grapes that are gently "infused", before ageing in tanks: subtle and delicate with a fine acidity that contributes to the freshness and remarkable elegance of this Valais red wine.