Grapes
Switzerland has an extensive range of grape varieties, among which the most widespread is the Chasselas (called Fendant in Valais). The Swiss are the only ones to fully make use of all its qualities: they produce from this one grape variety a wonderful diversity of delicate white wines. Among the standard grape varieties are also the Mller-Thurgau (locally called Riesling-Sylvaner and cultivated above all in Eastern Switzerland) and the Sylvaner (known in Valais as the Johannisberg). The main red grape varieties are the excellent Pinot Noir, which can be found in all the wine-producing regions of Switzerland, and the later-ripening Gamay, which predominates in Geneva and in Valais. The Merlot, the well-known variety from the Bordeaux region, has found a second home in Ticino.
In addition to these and many other grape varieties, Switzerland possesses a real treasure: an amazing 40 indigenous vines, all of them practically unknown anywhere else in the world.
Switzerland's present wine-production is undergoing a steady evolution. In some vineyards, the part of international varieties is increasing, and the recent Swiss crossbreeds, such as the Gamaret for instance, are gaining ground over the traditional vines. At the same time, some winegrowers are making every effort to fully exploit the potential of the indigenous grape varieties.
This flexible approach will help the producers to adapt to new economic situations, while continuing to provide wines capable of even more enhancing the reputation of the famous Swiss quality.