Switzerland Flashcards
What winemaking technique, virtually absent in Germany and Austria, is often utilized in Swiss whites to combat high acidity?
Malolactic Fermentation
What are bisses?
Steep channels to funnel mountain water for irrigation, built in Switzerland since the middle ages (the climate is very dry - in some areas, expecting 1/3 the rainfall of Bordeaux).
What four French-speaking cantons of Switzerland produce wine?
Valais
Vaud
Genève
Neuchâtel
What are the top four producing cantons in Switzerland?
Valais
Vaud
Genève
Ticino
What is the specialty of Ticino?
Merlot
Where is Oeil-de-Perdrix found in Switzerland, and what is it?
Neuchâtel.
Sparkling rosé of Pinot Noir
What is the Swiss synonym for Sylvaner?
Johannisberg
The Valais is located along what river?
The Rhône (northernmost appellation!)
What is Fendant?
The local synonym for Chasselas in Valais
What is Dôle?
A blend of pinot noir and gamay (Min. 85% combined)
What are Vins de Glacier?
Maderized wine of Rèze grapes stored in high-altitude soleras, a speciality of the Valais (Vin Jaune-like)
What is Gwäss?
Gouais Blanc in Valais
What are two Valais synonyms for Savagnin?
Heida
Païen
What is the Valais synonym for Marsanne?
Ermitage
What is the Valais synonym for Pinot Gris?
Malvoisie
What does Flétri indicate?
Made from raisinated grapes
Where is Vin du Glacier aged?
The Val d’Annivers (above Sierre)
What is Charte Grain Noble ConfidenCiel?
A “Seal of Quality” for traditional sweet wines created in 1996
What are the requirements for Charte Grain Noble ConfidenCiel?
Min. 15 year old vines
Min. 130 Oechsle (no chaptalization)
Min. 1 year in wood
What varieties are authorized for Charte Grain Noble ConfidenCiel?
Ermitage Petite Arvine Amigne Johannisberg Malvoisie (PG) Paien