We sell gift vouchers - for more details call us on 0115 911 0555 or email us at eann@gauntleys.com
We sell gift vouchers - for more details call us on 0115 911 0555 or email us at eann@gauntleys.com
Switzerland’s variety is awe-inspiring, with towering mountains that hold ancient glaciers, vast valleys, vibrant hills and glistening lakes. However, when people think of countries with a rich wine heritage, Switzerland may not necessarily be the first that comes to mind. It may be better known for its mountains, banks, watches and chocolates, but the country also has a story to tell about its incredible wines.
The country’s small-scale wine industry (15,000 total hectares, around half the planted area of Burgundy), high domestic demand, limited production, and the high cost of Swiss wines have been significant factors in keeping them under the radar to international markets over the years. In fact, of the 140 million bottles produced every year, only between 1-2% are exported. Nevertheless, this small European country boasts a vibrant and diverse wine culture and is home to some of the most unique and delicious wines in the world. With a winemaking history that dates back to Roman times, Switzerland has been quietly producing exceptional wines for centuries. Whilst Pinot Noir and Chasselas are by far the most utilised grapes, making up around 50% of the wine production, there is incredible variety to be found for those ready to look for it.
Since the Alps cover over half the country, establishing vineyards at such heights is impossible. Yet there are still regions where grapes find ideal conditions to grow. From the cool-climate vineyards in the Vaud, by Lake Geneva, to the sun-drenched terraces of Valais, Swiss wines offer a diverse range of styles and flavours that are sure to tantalise any wine lover’s palate.
Swiss winemaking has a rich history that has been shaped by various cultures and regions throughout the centuries. The Roman Empire introduced viticulture to Switzerland, and wine production thrived during the Middle Ages. Monks in the Swiss Alps played a significant role in cultivating vineyards, while French Huguenots brought their expertise in winemaking when seeking refuge in Switzerland.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Switzerland’s winemaking industry went through transformations due to social and economic changes. The arrival of phylloxera in the 1800s devastated European vineyards, leading Swiss winemakers to replant their vineyards with resistant grape varieties and introduce new ones like Chasselas.
The linguistic and cultural divisions in Switzerland have also influenced winemaking. Each region, whether French-, German-, or Italian-speaking, has its own wine styles and traditions. German-speaking areas produce white wines like Riesling-Sylvaner and Müller-Thurgau, while French-speaking areas are known for Chasselas and Pinot Noir wines.
In the 20th century, Switzerland’s entry into the global economy brought new technologies and modern winemaking techniques. This further transformed the industry, making it diverse and dynamic. Today, Switzerland boasts over 200 grape varieties grown across its six wine regions. Swiss winemakers are committed to sustainable and biodynamic practices, contributing to the industry’s longevity and positioning themselves as leaders in environmentally-friendly viticulture.
Switzerland’s continental climate is crucial in creating the perfect growing conditions for its wines. The long, warm summers and cool winters provide ample sunlight and a lengthy growing season that allows for the grapes to ripen fully. However, Switzerland’s geography is dominated by the Alps, and the country’s vineyards are located in valleys between the mountains, where the soil is rich in minerals and the climate is ideal for grape cultivation. The Rhône Glacier in the canton of Valais is also the source of our beloved Rhone River, without which we wouldn’t have our beloved Northern or Southern Rhône wines!
The warm days and cool nights in the valleys provide perfect growing conditions for the grapes, while the protection from harsh winds and precipitation provided by the surrounding mountains helps to maintain the quality of the grapes. The mountains also act as a source of natural irrigation by collecting and storing water from the melting snowpack. Additionally, the varying elevations of the vineyards provide different micro-climates that add complexity, and depth to the wines produced in Switzerland. The country is home to six main wine regions, predominantly located in the valleys of the Western and Central Alps, each with its own unique terroir and grape varieties.
Ticino, a small Italian speaking Swiss wine region is situated in the south of the country where the climate becomes more Mediterranean and is suitable for riper, fuller-bodied reds like Merlot.
Switzerland is home to six distinct wine-growing regions, each with its own unique characteristics. The largest region, Valais, accounts for a third of Swiss wine production. Located in the heart of the Alps, Valais benefits from a dry climate and warm foehn wind, resulting in grapes that mature quickly. Notable varieties grown here include Amigne, Arvine, Cornalin, Humagne Rouge, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Gamay.
Vaud is another stunning wine region in Switzerland, known for its terraced vineyards in the Lavaux appellation. These vineyards, stacked up to 40 on steep slopes, offer not only aesthetic beauty but also practical advantages such as natural heating and climate control. The Dézaley vineyard, planted by Cistercian monks in the 12th century, stands out for its fine Chasselas wine.
In Geneva, picturesque vineyards can be found just a short distance from the bustling city. Satigny, a renowned wine-producing village, is located within the canton of Geneva. This region produces a variety of wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Chasselas, and even non-native grape varieties like Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Ticino, located in the southernmost part of Switzerland, boasts a unique cultural identity due to its Italian-speaking population. This region is relatively new in terms of quality wine production but has made a name for itself with the introduction of the Merlot grape variety.
Graubünden, the highest wine-producing region in Switzerland, primarily focuses on Pinot Noir production. This German-speaking canton is known for its exceptional Pinot Noir wines, particularly in the smaller Bündner Herrschaft appellation. While red wines dominate, Graubünden also produces white wines like Müller-Thurgau.
Neuchâtel, located along Lac de Neuchâtel in northwest Switzerland, is known for its picturesque landscapes. The region’s largest appellation, it produces the soft-toned Oeil-de-Perdix Rosé, crafted from the Pinot Noir grape.
Petite Arvine: A trendy white variety from Switzerland’s Valais region. It can be dry with refreshing grapefruit tones and a salty finish, or sweet with concentrated late harvest wines. Versatile and great for seafood, vegetables, and spicy Asian cuisine.
Chasselas (Fendant): The most widely planted white grape in Switzerland, with its best expression found in Lavaux. It exhibits minerality, subtle fruit flavours, and a crisp acidity.
Cornalin (Humagne Rouge/ Cornalin d’Aoste): Cornalin is an indigenous Swiss red grape variety that is cultivated in vineyards across Switzerland, particularly in the Valais region. It is also known as Cornalin d’Aoste and Humagne Rouge. This grape variety produces complex, medium-bodied wines with rustic, spicy flavors, and notes of cherry and blackberry fruit and earthiness. It is one of the most common indigenous red grape varieties grown in Switzerland. Highly sought after by wine enthusiasts.
Heida (Païen/Savagnin Blanc): Grown in Valais, it produces spicy white wines with aromas of honey, apricot, and sometimes resinous turpentine. Thrives in steep slopes.
Pinot Noir (Blauburgunder): Switzerland’s most widely planted grape variety. Smooth, elegant, and medium-bodied red wines with aromas of red fruits, forest floor, and soft tannins.
Merlot: Popular in Ticino, it is made as varietal or blended with other Bordeaux-style grapes. Also produced as white wine. Merlot del Ticino is a top-quality, oak-aged wine.
Amigne: Exclusively produced in Switzerland, it is a full-bodied white wine with low acidity. Can be made dry or sweet, with flavours of citrus, stone fruit, almond bread, and herbal notes.
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