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SWISS WINES We carry about 8-12 different wines from Switzerland, a
wonderful country with an economy which is amazing. We used to go cross-country
skiing in the Engadiner Valley and I can say that the price of everything is high. A
few years ago a dozen eggs cost something like $9.00 !!!
THE VALAIS The center of this region is the town of Sion, which is a
name you might encounter on a wine label. The primary white grape is called
"Fendant" (known as Chasselas in other parts of the world) and its wine is dry,
a bit low in acidity and doesn't have particularly distinctive aromas or flavors (some
endorsement, huh?). Sylvaner is also grown in this region, but it's known as
"Johannisberger," despite the presence (in tiny quantities) of Riesling.
Marsanne is cultivated here and is called "Ermitage," while Pinot Gris is
disguised as "Malvoisie." Other grape varieties to be found include
Amigne, Arvine, Humagne and Païen (some relative of Traminer, apparently).
In red wines, Pinot Noir is the predominant variety, with Gamay also
being cultivated here. Typically wines labeled Dôle are 2/3s Pinot Noir and 1/3
Gamay. As these tend to be heavily chaptalized (sugar added to the unfermented
juice to make up for the natural lack thereof), the wines are usually a bit on the thin
side. Some have now planted Chardonnay here and there's even a vine of Syrah.
There are about 22,000 grape growers in this region, tending but 5,200 hectares of
vines. Only 700 produce and bottle any wine commercially, so the bulk of the
production is handled by cooperatives or negociants. This region includes the vines on the north shores of lake
Geneva and the Rhône Valley. Chasselas is grown here (of course). It is in
the Vaud where you'll find the prestigious white wine called Dézaley where Chasselas is
said to be at its best. I wouldn't stand in a very long line for a glass, however.
Pinot Noir and Gamay are also found in this area, making more standard wines. TICINO Here's an Italian-speaking part of Switzerland to the south and Merlot is the primary wine. However, there's a few vines of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon, Semillon and Pinot Gris. Not to mention "nostrani Americani" (even the curiously foxy grape called "Clinton" is cultivated here!). German-Speaking Regions Pinot Noir goes by the name "Blauburgunder" here, while the white wine of Chasselas takes the name "Gutedel." There's also a peculiar white grape called "Completer." Production in this northern region tends to be small and prices rather high, especially for such small wines.
SWISS WINES IN THE SHOP
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Gilliard makes a wine called "Les Murettes" which is a "Fendant
Pétillant" and bottled from the lees (spent yeast), somewhat like a
Muscadet from France's Loire Valley.
The
brand "Bon Pere" is rather well thought of in Switzerland, the
Germanier family having been winemakers for more than a century. The
firm is located in the town of Vétroz in the heart of the Valais region.
Dôle
"Balavaud" is a typical blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay. It
shows aromas of both...some cherry notes, along with strawberries.
Dry, I don't find much wood here. Smooth, it's best served at cool
cellar temp.
Medium bodied,
fairly delicate little dry white wine. Best with delicate, simple seafood or
mildly-smoked fish. It's entirely Chasselas from limestone soil. It
is one of our more popular offerings. Many people seem to enjoy
this with Raclette...
One of the most famous wines in Switzerland, this is the one
depicting a small lizard (I don't think that's a food pairing suggestion,
though let me know if you do try this combination of vittles and vino).
Aigle comes from the Chablais area of the Vaud and is made entirely of
Chasselas.
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