Switzerland

Question 1

What is the regional diversity of Switzerland? How does this affect their wine production?

Answer 1

Switzerland is actually an amalgamation of 26 nearly autonomous cantons. Each with their own offical languages.

The 4 French speaking cantons to the west, 17 german speaking to the east and an Italian speaking canton all practice viticulture

Question 2

What is the Italian canton of Switzerland and what kind of wine does it produce?

Answer 2

Ticino - almost entirely Merlot

Question 3

What are the main grapes of Switzerland?

Answer 3

WHITE
•Chasselas - main grape - white, dry, mineral driven
•Muller Thurgau
•Chardonnay 
•Sylvaner(AKA. Johannisberg) 
•Amigne of Vetroz
•Petite Arvine

RED
•Pinot Noir
•Gamay
•Merlot

Question 4

What is the most important wine growing region of Switzerland and a quick recap of each?

Answer 4

•Valais - most important, 1/3 national output. On the Rhone river(most northern appellation of the rhone),

driest region in country, ample sun and warm wind (the Foehn).

Grows Chasselas(AKA. Fendant) and Dôle(PN and Gamay blend). They also produce Vin des Glacier - a maderized wine made in high altitude soleras from the incredibly rare Rèze grape.

Question 5

The switz wine regions of Vaud and Geneva exist. Tell me about them

Answer 5

Vaud - borders Jura in France on the north of lake Geneva, mostly Chasselas(ALA. Dorian). 6 regional AOCs and 2 Grand crus. Premier Cru designation exists. Red production of Salvagnin - blend of Gamay, PN, and crossings Gamaret and Garanoir.

Geneva - southwest of lake Geneva, country’s densest plantings. Chasselas and Gamay, some Chardonnay and Pinot Noir