READ THE DIAGRAM
Lavaux: Distinguish landscape and wine designations
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World Heritage registration evaluates cultural landscape. Wine origin and additional labeling are under separate systems. To the supporting reference ↓
FIELD NOTE 01
North Shore Facing South
Lavaux lies on a string of terraces on the north shore of Lake Geneva, with south-facing slopes. Note that being on the north shore and the slopes facing north are not the same thing. When you draw the lake, slopes, and stone retaining walls, it's easier to explain which direction receives sunlight and the relationship of vineyards to their position.
FIELD NOTE 02
Long-maintained vineyard
The origin of the present terraces dates back to the medieval period when monasteries managed the area. The stone walls support the structure of land that allows cultivation on steep slopes and require maintenance. The 2007 World Heritage registration relates to the cultural landscape value, including vineyards and settlements.
FIELD NOTE 03
Landscape and wine labeling
"Sunlight, reflected light from the lake, and heat preservation from walls are described as the 'three suns'. However, this is not a metaphor to add up three equal sources of heat. When studying Chasselas wines, separately check Lavaux's cultural heritage status and label indications or Grand Cru requirements.
World Heritage is an evaluation of cultural landscape. Wine origin and additional labeling are governed by separate systems.
PAUSE & REFLECT
Check your understanding.
If a vineyard is within a World Heritage Site, does that wine automatically become Grand Cru?
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World Heritage is an evaluation of cultural landscape. Wine origin and additional labeling are governed by separate systems.
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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.
- UNESCO｜Lavaux, Vineyard Terraces ↗
- Swiss Wine｜vaud ↗
- Swiss Federal Office for Agriculture | Wine classification and management ↗