RELATIONSHIPS
Main varieties and their names in multiple languages: perspectives for comparison
Read geography, grape resources, and production processes separately.
Main whites
Chasselas
Main reds
Pinot Noir, Gamay, Merlot
Region Name
Fendant, Heida, etc.
This is a schematic diagram summarizing the main text. It does not represent production areas or quality rankings. Sources and reference materials
FIELD NOTE 01
The entry point for white is Chasselas.
Chasselas is central to study in Vaud, and in Valais you’ll encounter it as Fendant. Valais also has Petite Arvine and Savagnin, while the German-speaking areas have Müller-Thurgau and Räuschling, so you shouldn’t summarize all the whites as just Chasselas.
FIELD NOTE 02
Three main axes for reds
Based on Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Merlot. Pinot Noir is also called Blauburgunder in German-speaking areas. Gamaret and Garanoir are also important in Geneva, and Merlot in Ticino. In Valais, Cornalin and Humagne Rouge supplement the blend.
FIELD NOTE 03
Connect the name to the production process
Do not deduce parentage from Müller-Thurgau's local name Riesling-Sylvaner. Merlot can also be vinified as white, and Pinot Noir is used for rosé in the Three Lakes region. Synonyms serve for sorting varieties; color and winemaking declarations serve for sorting wine styles.
The former is an alternative name for Pinot Noir. The latter refers to a wine made with Merlot vinified as white.
PAUSE & REFLECT
Check your understanding.
Are both Blauburgunder and Merlot Bianco separate variety names?
Read the explanation ＋
The former is an alternative name for Pinot Noir. The latter refers to a wine made with Merlot vinified as white.
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Sources and reference materials
These are the reference materials for the main text. For details of production regulations, consult the current documents. For individual wine specifications, refer to materials for the relevant vintage.
- Swiss Wine | Main varieties ↗
- Swiss Wine｜german-speaking-switzerland ↗
- Swiss Wine｜valais ↗
- Swiss Wine｜ticino ↗