Definition: Picholette

Suisse romande: small bottle of 0.35 litres. Diminutive of pichet, from the Old French pichier, derived from the Late Latin picarium, "container". In 1822, the canton of Vaud enacted a law defining various measures, including the pot (1.4 litres), the demi pot (0.7 litres) and the picholette (0.35 litres).

Recently created by Pro Uva, the Picholette de Genève has just won the Swiss Agricultural Innovation Award in the "wines" category. Commissioned by Bernard Rochaix of Domaine des Perrières, the Sierre-based company developed a new bottle, as well as the identity and visual communication of the award-winning wines.The picholette was an old measure – 28 cl – once used in Geneva for serving wine. Still in use until the mid-20th century, it was served in the canton's taverns and cafés. It has since disappeared from public establishments, but also from most people's memories. A rare example of the Geneva Picholette, made of tinplate and dated 1846, is on display in the cellars of Maison Tavel in Geneva's old town.

Now adorned with a screen print highlighting its origins both visually and textually, the Picholette from Domaine Les Perrières is available in white and red with two blends of varieties that are playing a major role in the revival of Geneva's vineyards. The first is made from Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Sauvignon, the second from Gamaret and Garanoir. These modern, complex and well-structured wines, presented in their original, history-steeped bottles, serve as a link between the winemaking traditions of the lake's southern tip and the quality demands of an increasingly discerning and knowledgeable clientele.