Neuchâtel

Neuchâtel wine region at a glance

Tradition, diversity and specialities on the shores of Lake Neuchâtel.

Introduction to the Neuchâtel wine region

The Neuchâtel wine region is located in the heart of the Three Lakes Region and is one of Switzerland's most traditional wine-growing cantons. With around 600 hectares of vineyards, it is not the largest wine-growing region in the country, but it plays an important role in the diversity of Swiss wines. Its proximity to Lake Neuchâtel, Lake Biel and Lake Murten gives the region a unique climate that has a significant influence on the character of its wines.

Neuchâtel is best known for Pinot Noir, fresh white wines and specialities such as Non Filtré and Rosé Œil de Perdrix. Winegrowers in the region are committed to tradition, but at the same time cultivate innovative approaches to bring out the best in the diversity of grape varieties.

Tradition and history

The history of winegrowing in Neuchâtel goes back a long way. The region already played an important role in the Middle Ages. Vineyards were carefully laid out, and wine was an important part of the supply to the church and nobility.

Over the centuries, the Neuchâtel wine-growing region developed into an area of great importance in Switzerland. Today, it combines its long tradition with modern viticulture and innovative strength.

Climate, soils and terroirs

The climate in the Neuchâtel wine-growing region is influenced by its proximity to the lakes and the Jura mountains. Mild winters, warm summers and sufficient rainfall ensure stable conditions. At the same time, the vineyards benefit from good ventilation and the reflection of sunlight by the lakes.

The soils are predominantly calcareous and provide an ideal foundation for the vines. Limestone, marl and moraines alternate, producing wines with minerality, freshness and character.

Le Landeron and other municipalities

Certain places play an important role within the Neuchâtel wine-growing region. Le Landeron, at the eastern end of Lake Neuchâtel, is particularly well known. Here, numerous vineyards dominate the landscape.

Communes such as Vaumarcus, Bevaix and Auvernier are also part of the wine-growing region. Each of these communes offers special conditions for viticulture due to its location on the shores or slopes of the Jura mountains. Together, they form a diverse mosaic of terroirs.

Three Lakes Region and Entre deux Lacs

The Neuchâtel wine-growing region is also part of the Three Lakes Region, which forms a cultural and scenic entity. This is where the cantons of Neuchâtel, Fribourg and Bern meet. The Entre deux Lacs region, i.e. the area between Lake Neuchâtel and Lake Biel, offers particularly varied vineyards.

The mixture of different soils, exposures and climatic influences contributes to the diversity of the region's wines.

The Three Lakes Region and its special features

The Three Lakes Region, with Lake Neuchâtel, Lake Biel and Lake Murten, forms the geographical centre of this wine-growing region. The lakes act as heat reservoirs and create balanced climatic conditions. Large temperature fluctuations between day and night are mitigated, and the mild climate prolongs the ripening period of the grapes.

At the same time, the Jura mountain range in the north provides protection from cool winds. This interplay of mountains, lakes and rivers makes the Three Lakes Region one of the most interesting terroirs in Switzerland.

Pinot Noir as the defining grape variety

Pinot Noir is the most important grape variety in the Neuchâtel wine-growing region. It accounts for around half of the vineyard area and has a lasting influence on wine production. On limestone soils and sunny vineyards, Pinot Noir develops a special elegance here. Typical wines have fine fruit, a pleasant balance and a clear expression of the terroir.

The red grape is not only used to produce classic red wines, but also for specialities such as Œil de Perdrix. This makes Pinot Noir the heart of the regional wine culture.

The diversity of the three lakes in a glass

The three lakes offer ideal conditions for a wide range of grape varieties. In addition to Pinot Noir, Chasselas, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay also play an important role. White wines made from Chasselas are fresh and mineral and accompany the regional cuisine perfectly. Pinot Gris is aromatic, while Chardonnay produces elegant and versatile wines.

Varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer and the newer red wine varieties Gamaret and Garanoir also contribute to the diversity. This mixture of traditional and modern varieties makes the region particularly exciting.

Non Filtré – a speciality from Neuchâtel

One speciality closely associated with Neuchâtel is Non Filtré. This white wine is bottled unfiltered, thus retaining its natural cloudiness. Every year in January, the new vintage is presented – an event that is firmly anchored in the calendar of wine lovers.

Non Filtré showcases the freshness of the grape in its purest form. It is lively and youthful, symbolising the region's innovative spirit, which combines tradition and modernity in a distinctive way.

Œil de Perdrix – rosé with tradition

Another classic from the Neuchâtel wine region is the rosé wine Œil de Perdrix. The name means ‘partridge eye’ and refers to the delicate salmon pink colour of the wine. Made from Pinot Noir, Œil de Perdrix offers an elegant blend of fruit, freshness and fine structure.

This rosé wine has gained renown far beyond the region and is considered a model for many rosé wines in Switzerland. It goes well with Mediterranean dishes, light meat dishes or simply as a refreshing treat in summer.

Wine and food – a variety of combinations

The wines from Neuchâtel are versatile and go well with a wide range of dishes. Here are a few examples:

• Pinot Noir goes well with poultry, roast veal or tender beef strips.
• Œil de Perdrix is excellent with fish dishes, barbecues or a summer antipasti platter.
• Non Filtré accompanies regional specialities such as saucisson or fondue Neuchâtelois.
• Chasselas is the ideal partner for regional cheeses such as Vacherin Mont-d'Or or Tête de Moine.
• Chardonnay enhances the flavours of creamy sauces or shellfish.
• Aromatic varieties such as Gewürztraminer go well with Asian-inspired dishes or spicy cheeses.

This diversity shows that wines from Neuchâtel are not only regionally but also internationally versatile in culinary terms.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the Neuchâtel wine region

When is the wine festival in Neuchâtel?

The traditional wine festival in Neuchâtel takes place every autumn. It lasts several days and celebrates viticulture, the vineyards and the culture of the region.

Where is Günther Jauch's wine-growing region?

Günther Jauch owns a vineyard on the Moselle in Germany, not in Switzerland.

Is Neuchâtel the same as Neuenburg?

Yes, Neuenburg is the German name for the French-speaking city of Neuchâtel. Both names refer to the same region.

What specialities are typical of Neuenburg?

Particularly typical are Non Filtré, an unfiltered white wine, and Rosé Œil de Perdrix. Both wines are closely linked to the canton's tradition and have gained national recognition.