Switzerland is not a typical wine-growing region, but the absence of fame in no way harms the quality of its wine. 130 million litres of wine is produced here every year, but most of this never leaves Switzerland, which is why its wines are largely unknown in the rest of Europe and across the world. The best vineyards are aroundLausanne, Lavaux, and Lac Leman, otherwise known as Lake Geneva. Their position and terracing give the slopes planted with vines an extraordinary romance.
The fame of Swiss wine cannot compete with Italian or French wine, but thanks to sandy and slate soil which originates from the bottom of a Tertiary Period sea, its quality can. The Helvetic wine-making tradition dates back to the eleventh century, and it was introduced— not surprisingly—by monks. The dominant variety in Lavaux is white Chasselas, which is a light, elegant wine with a modest, fruity character. If you prefer red, of the wines made in Lavaux, look for Savagnin, which is made from the Gamay and Pinot noir varieties. Don’t expect the compactness and earthiness like a Bordeaux but do expect a pleasantly light yet complex experience.
Where Grapes Are Harvested by Helicopter
The terraces of the vineyards in Lavaux are so specific that in 2007 UNESCO took them under its wing. The stone walls of the vineyards influence the flavours of the wine because they accumulate heat from the sun and warm the vines after the sun’s rays fade. Another significant heat source for the wines of Lavaux is the surface of Lake Geneva, which in this case operates like a mirror, and the south-facing vineyards draw the necessary energy from the light it reflects. Despite the rugged conditions, Switzerland has an exceptional climate for wine. The terraces were built for the purely practical reason of preventing soil erosion, because the slopes are genuinely steep here—so steep in fact that during the harvest in some areas, helicopters are used to move the grapes.
Look for AOC
As in Italy, where the letters DOCG are used to designate high-quality wines, in Switzerland the standard of a bottle is guaranteed by the AOC, i.e. Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée. This designation is a guarantee of the quality of wines from the Lavaux area, or rather, a guarantee of compliance with strict standards for their production.
The terraced vineyards of Lavaux line one of the most beautiful driving routes in Switzerland—the journey from Geneva to the Valais Alps and the town of Gruyeres. We leave the dilemma to you whether to swap the steering wheel for a glass of unique wine and try its wide variety of tastes while taking in views of the lake or to continue in the rhythm of the route’s seductive S-bends. Visit the charming UNESCO region within the lifestyle Swiss Wonders Tour organized by Ricard & Bonette.
