Sommelier Business takes insights from Nicolas Quillé, MW, to create a short wine technical series to give on-trade professionals wine technical knowledge. In this article, we explore the unique and captivating world of Swiss wines.

Switzerland, part of the Alpine region, conventionally referred to as the Swiss Alps, is a landlocked country, where steep slopes and lake tempering influences shape its unique vineyards. Swiss wines, known for their precision and minerality, are primarily enjoyed domestically, despite their global appeal. Influenced by French, Germanic, and Italian cultures, Swiss viticulture thrives with 14,700 hectares under vine, tended by 2,500 producers cultivating 252 grape varieties.

Key Grape Varieties:

Among the Swiss vines, Pinot Noir reigns supreme, accompanied by Chasselas, Gamay, and Merlot. Notably, Chasselas, known locally as Fendant in Valais, dominates, as Switzerland holds the world's largest plantings of this medieval white grape. Often unfairly underestimated, Chasselas excels in both dry and sweet styles, reflecting its versatility and regional charm.

Unique Varieties:

Switzerland boasts three benchmark grape varieties that are making waves beyond its borders. Gamaret, a hybrid of Gamay Noir and Reichensteiner, stands out for its resistance to botrytis and deep-colored wines. Petite Arvine, an indigenous gem, produces mineral-driven whites celebrated for their complexity and balance.

Regional Diversity:

Swiss wines are classified into 62 AOCs across 6 distinct regions:

- Valais (32% of plantings): Home to steep terraces along the Rhône River, Valais excels in reds like Pinot Noir and Gamay, alongside the acclaimed Chasselas and local delicacy, Petite Arvine.

- Vaud (26%): Nestled on Lake Geneva's northern shores, Vaud favors whites, notably Chasselas, with unique reds like Gamaret and Garanoir.

- German Switzerland (18%): Primarily red wine territory, with Pinot Noir (Blauburgunder) dominating, complemented by Muller Thurgau for whites.

- Geneva (9%): Southeast of Lake Geneva, Geneva specializes in Gamay and Chasselas, featuring 22 Premier Cru sites.

- Ticino (8%): Notably wet, Ticino surprises with predominantly Merlot plantings, making for intriguing wines.

- Three Lakes Region (7%): Centered on lakes Neuchatel, Biel, and Vully, this region showcases Pinot Noir and Chasselas, with the occasional rosé labeled "Oeil de Perdrix."

Conclusion:

Swiss wines embody precision and terroir-driven character, yet remain largely undiscovered outside Switzerland. With each region offering unique expressions, exploring Swiss wines promises a journey through diverse landscapes and centuries-old traditions.

Written by Nicolas Quillé, MW

Born in Lyon, France, from a family in the wine business for three generations. Nicolas has a Master degree in winemaking from the University of Dijon, Burgundy and a Master in sparkling winery management from the University of Reims, Champagne. Prior to coming to the United States, have worked in Burgundy and the Rhone Valley as a winemaker.

He came to the United States in 1997 and worked for J. Lohr and The Hogue Cellars as a winemaker. During his time at Hogue Cellars, he went back to school and earned a MBA with honors from the University of Washington (first of class). He was the General Manager and Winemaker for Pacific Rim for 10 years where I lead our two wineries making 600,000 cases of wine. He recently took a position as the Chief Winemaking and Operations Officer for the Crimson Wine Group supervising six prestigious estate wineries in OR, WA and CA. In 2018 he became a Master of Wine formerly joining the prestigious Institute of Masters of Wine.