The Dézaley Chemin de Fer from La Maison Massy was awarded a prize at the Decanter World Wine Awards.
Every year, the eyes of the wine world turn to London. It’s there that the Decanter World Wine Awards are held, one of the most demanding and influential wine competitions on the planet. In 2026, two wines from La Maison Massy earned the ‘Silver’ medal, a distinction that is no easy feat. The first of these was the Dézaley Chemin de Fer with 93 points, a Grand Cru Chasselas that confirms, on the international stage, what Lavaux wine lovers have long known.
The Decanter World Wine Awards, a competition apart
Founded in 2004 by the British magazine Decanter, the Decanter World Wine Awards has established itself as the global benchmark for wine ratings. What distinguishes this competition from others is, above all, the rigor of its protocol. Each year, more than 18,000 wines from some 50 countries are submitted to blind tasting. The judges, all recognized professionals—Masters of Wine, renowned sommeliers, and specialist critics—evaluate each sample without knowing the producer, the price, or the exact origin of the bottle.
The awards system is tiered: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and finally Best in Show, awarded to only a select few wines. The Silver medal, awarded to wines scoring between 90 and 94 points, represents a significant recognition. It signifies that an international jury, without preconceived notions, judged the wine to be technically flawless and possessing a true personality. For a Swiss Chasselas, a grape variety still relatively unknown outside of Switzerland, such a distinction takes on particular significance.
The Dézaley Chemin de Fer, a grand cru with character
Dézaley is one of the most prestigious appellations in Lavaux. Nestled between Lausanne and Vevey, this steeply sloping terroir benefits from triple exposure: direct sunlight, the reflection of Lake Geneva, and the heat retained by the dry stone walls. The vineyards take their name from the railway line that runs alongside these vines, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007.
An internationally recognized vintage
The 2024 vintage of Dézaley Chemin de Fer fully embodies this exceptional terroir. On the nose, it is initially discreet, before revealing hints of flint and gunflint, the mineral signature of Dézaley. On the palate, the wine gains in breadth: opulent and generous, it envelops the palate with a pleasing texture before concluding with a remarkably long finish.
The judges of the Decanter World Wine Awards confirmed this profile precisely: they noted seductive aromas of yellow fruits, a smooth texture on the palate where notes of juicy apple, herbs, dried flowers and button mushrooms mingle.
This Chasselas is not meant to be drunk too young. At least a year of aging is recommended to allow the wine to fully open up. With time, it develops honeyed notes and an aromatic complexity that make it an exceptional table companion: ideal with truffled poultry, fine fish, or aged Gruyère cheese.
Maison Massy and the ambition of Lavaux Chasselas
For Gregory and Benjamin Massy, fourth generation of a winemaking family rooted in Epesses, this international recognition confirms their long-standing commitment. Their conviction is simple yet profound: Chasselas from Lavaux deserves its place among the world’s great white wines.
The Silver medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards is not just a mark of quality. It’s an invitation to discover a wine that speaks of its terroir like few others can.
