Discover the best Swiss wines – a selection of the top trends at Ritschard Weine
Switzerland as a wine-growing country
Switzerland boasts a stunningly diverse wine landscape, with around 15,000 hectares of vineyards (by way of comparison, the Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety alone is cultivated on 310,000 hectares of vineyards worldwide). These wine-growing areas put Switzerland in 20th place among wine-producing countries worldwide.
6 wine regions guarantee a variety of pleasures
Located in the heart of Europe, the country is characterised by a remarkable diversity of terroirs, appellations and grape varieties. Switzerland has six wine-growing regions – Valais, Vaud, Geneva, the Three Lakes Region, German-speaking Switzerland and Ticino. They all differ not only in terms of soil composition and microclimate, but also in terms of their special artisanal traditions.
Wine-growing is mainly concentrated in Valais and in western Switzerland, with the French-speaking cantons of Vaud, Neuchâtel, Geneva and the Three Lakes Region. In German-speaking Switzerland, wine is mainly grown in the German-speaking areas of the Three-Lakes region, the cantons of Aargau, Lucerne, Zurich, Schaffhausen, Thurgau, Graubünden and the Alpine Rhine Valley. Ticino, the Italian-speaking region, is best known for its red wines.
Chasselas, Pinot Noir and Dôle play the first fiddle
Among the best-known Swiss wines, which are appreciated worldwide for their high quality in viticulture, are the white wine Chasselas, also known as Fendant in Valais, and the red wine Pinot Noir, as well as the Dôle, which is produced in Valais and is a blend of mainly Pinot Noir and Gamay, married with other red grape varieties.
However, the variety is much greater. No fewer than 252 grape varieties are cultivated in Switzerland. However, the four most important grape varieties are Pinot Noir, Chasselas, Gamay and Merlot, which alone account for two-thirds of Switzerland's total vineyard area. The vineyards stretch along the great lakes – Lake Geneva, Lake Constance and Lake Neuchâtel – or along the Rhône, as in Valais, the largest wine-growing canton.
Just over a third of the area under cultivation is devoted to the so-called indigenous grape varieties, which are the hallmark of viticulture in Switzerland and account for its diversity. These include Chasselas, which accounts for 24% of the area under cultivation, and Gamaret, Garanoir, Arvine, Amigne and many others, which are vinified on around 9% of the area under cultivation. Traditional grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon or Syrah offer Swiss producers the opportunity to prove the quality of the Swiss terroir coupled with their own winemaking expertise in international comparison.
Controlled designations of origin for Swiss wine
In Switzerland, there is a strict system of three categories for controlling designations of origin to ensure the quality and authenticity of its wines:
The highest category is that of the controlled appellations with a controlled designation of origin. The name Appellation d'origine contrôlée is abbreviated to AOC, supplemented by the name of the respective region in which the wine is vinified. Some municipalities have also allowed the designation Grand Cru in this category, for example in Valais.
The second category includes the country wines, also called Vin de Pays. They are subject to the designation of origin.
The third category includes table wines, i.e. wines without a designation of origin.
The highest category, with the controlled designations of origin, originally known by the abbreviation AOC (Appellation d'origine contrôlée), not only ensures the origin but also compliance with strict production guidelines. The first AOC regulations were introduced in the canton of Valais in 1990. Since December 2011, the abbreviation AOP (Appellation d'origine protégée) has replaced the AOC, but the AOC designation is still widely used.
These requirements, which are set out in a specification, regulate, among other things, the planting, planting density of the vines, the yield per square metre and the maximum sugar content, depending on the grape variety used. There are different yield requirements for red and white wines to ensure high quality standards. Within the quality wines, there is a further distinction: top wines in Valais, which meet stricter requirements, bear the addition AOC Grand Cru.
Incidentally, the origins of such designations go back to the 15th century, when the production and origin of Roquefort cheese in southwestern France were first regulated by a parliamentary decree.
White wines from Switzerland
Switzerland is well known for its high-quality white wines. The most common white grape varieties are Chasselas (Gutedel in German), Müller-Thurgau, Silvaner, Pinot Gris, Petite Arvine Sauvignon Blanc, Savagnin, Pinot Blanc, Viognier, Gewürztraminer, Marsanne Blanche, Amigne, Muscat Blanc à petits grains, Doral, Johanniter, Solaris, Humagne Blanc, Räuschling, Kerner, Aligoté, Riesling, Sauvignon Gris, Muscaris, Charmont, Seyval Blanc and Chenin Blanc.
Chasselas dominates
Chasselas is one of the most widely grown white wine varieties in Switzerland and is called ‘Fendant’ in Valais. One of the best Fendant wines in Switzerland comes from the best Swiss winemaker of the decade, Diego Mathier. Fendant du Ravin AOC Valais was named the best Swiss Fendant at the Grand Prix du Vin Suisse and also bears the title of best Fendant in the universe.
Another famous Swiss wine from the Valais is Johannisberg, which is made from the Silvaner grape variety. Other specialities in the naming of wines are Savagnin, which is known as Heida in the Valais, and Marsanne blanche, which is also known as Ermitage in the Valais. White wines from Switzerland are generally known and highly regarded for their freshness and diversity.
Swiss red wines
Switzerland is also known for its high-quality red wines, which are made from various red wine varieties such as Pinot Noir, Gamay, Merlot, Syrah, Diolinoir, Gamaret, Garanoir and Humagne rouge.
There are also a few local, i.e. indigenous, grape varieties that are very important throughout Switzerland and are never missing from wine lovers' cellars. The Cornalin comes from the Valais. It is one of those red wines that, with its full-bodied, spicy, tannin-rich and fruit-intensive character, goes perfectly with game specialities.
Switzerland's Pinot Noir Eldorado is located in the Valais
The Pinot Noir Eldorado of Switzerland is located in the Valais, around the picturesque wine village of Salgesch, where the famous Pinot Noir wine is grown. Due to the geological peculiarities, resulting from a gigantic rockfall around 10,000 BC, the Pinot Noir grape finds sensational growing conditions here.
The Pinot Noir reds from Salgesch mercilessly outshine even the international competition from Burgundy, such as the Ambassadeur de Diego Mathier red AOC Valais, the world champion Pinot Noir.
Swiss sparkling wine and dessert wine
Swiss sparkling wines offer an impressive variety, ranging from the sparkling creations of well-known houses such as Mauler and La Cave de Genève to the often unknown treasures of small winemakers.
Many Swiss winemakers are particularly conscious of tradition and rely on the ‘Méthode traditionelle’, a classic bottle fermentation process that is also used in the production of champagne. This process, which requires strict rules and certain steps from the selection of the grapes to the corking of the bottle, is also used in Switzerland for the production of sparkling wines.
A well-known example is Baccarat, a sparkling wine from the growing region in the canton of Geneva. The Cave de Genève, which unites around 100 winemaking families, uses Chardonnay scions that were once imported from the Champagne region. The vines grow in different soils, and the wines from the various locations are blended together. Chardonnay is still the preferred grape for producing Baccarat, either as a single variety or as a base for cuvées.
In addition to the large houses, many small wineries also contribute to the diversity of Swiss sparkling wine by surprising with individual flavour nuances. The range of domestic sparkling wines has been growing steadily for several years and can now more than hold its own with champagne and other international sparkling wines.
The variety of grape varieties used is particularly exciting: in addition to the classic Champagne or Burgundy varieties Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, there is an increasing number of sparkling wines made from Riesling, modelled on German Riesling sparkling wines, as well as sparkling wines made from the Swiss flagship variety Chasselas and more aromatic varieties such as Müller-Thurgau.
Trends in Swiss viticulture
Swiss viticulture and wine production are in a constant state of development, and there are many trends shaping the industry. One of the most important trends is the increasing demand for Swiss wines abroad. Swiss wine producers are also increasingly focusing on quality and diversity to meet the growing demand.
The future of Swiss wine
The future of Swiss wine on the wine market is definitely positive, and there are many reasons why Swiss wines will continue to be successful. Swiss wine producers are constantly working to ensure the sustainability and protection of the environment to secure the future of viticulture.
These are not the least of the factors that ensure that Swiss wines will continue to be appreciated and in demand around the world.
Swiss wine and food – the perfect combination
Wine and food are a perfect combination, and Swiss wines offer many possibilities for finding the perfect match. Swiss wines go well with many different dishes, from fish to meat. Finding the perfect wine and food pairing is an important part of Swiss culture.
Swiss wines in action at Ritschard Weine
At the online shop of Ritschard Weine, a renowned wine merchant, wine lovers will find a diverse selection of Swiss wines that impress with their unique taste and tradition. Whether fine reds from Ticino or characterful drops from Graubünden – the products in the range offer the perfect companion for every connoisseur and every occasion.
The Merlot wines, which thrive in the best soils in Switzerland and impress with their depth and body, are particularly popular. The shop offers a wide range of wines at attractive prices, including special items carefully crafted by experienced winemakers at the vineyards.
Browse online and discover the diversity of Swiss wines – ideal for enjoyable moments and for the wine cellar of every wine lover.
Important questions and answers about Swiss wine
What Swiss wines are there?
The most important Swiss grape varieties include
- Merlot
- Pinot Noir
- Gamay
- Chardonnay
- Chasselas
- Müller-Thurgau
Which is the most popular Swiss white wine?
Chasselas is the most commonly grown Swiss white wine. Other well-known Swiss white grape varieties include Silvaner, Riesling-Silvaner, Completer and Pinot Gris.
Which wine do the Swiss drink?
The Swiss particularly like to drink Chasselas, a white grape variety that is called Fendant in Valais. It is the wine that goes best with Swiss raclette or cheese fondue.
Where is wine grown in Switzerland?
In the Swiss wine-growing regions, which include Valais, Vaud, German-speaking Switzerland, Geneva, Ticino and the Three Lakes region, more than 2,500 winegrowers cultivate a total of 14,696 hectares of vineyards. Located in the heart of the Alps, Switzerland offers numerous wine tourism destinations and activities.
How many wine-growing regions are there in Switzerland?
Wine production in Switzerland takes place in six different regions, each with its own unique character.
Why isn't Swiss wine exported?
The main reason is simple: the Swiss prefer to enjoy their own wines. In addition, the comparatively small area under cultivation, at only around 15,000 hectares, plays a role. As a result, just under one per cent of Swiss wine is exported.