READ · COMPARE · EXPLAIN
Chasselas: Lakeside whites and Gutedel
From the Lake Geneva region through Valais to southern Germany, we trace the various names for this white variety. We confirm its typically gentle acidity by examining both the regions and winemaking.
Questions for this course
How are Chasselas, Fendant, and Gutedel connected?
Before you start reading, briefly jot down your thoughts. You will rephrase them at the end.
To applied practice using the material ↓
To explanation task notes ↓Chasselas / Learn from grape varieties
Other names & notations: Gutedel / グートエーデル / Fendant / ファンダン
Update date: 2026-09-24
White varieties of Vaud
Chasselas is a white variety widely grown in Switzerland and is the principal grape of Vaud. It is also found in Valais, Geneva, and the Three Lakes Region. The aroma is relatively restrained, leading to white wines reminiscent of apple, citrus, and flowers. Even within Vaud, by distinguishing Lavaux and Chablais on the map, you can grasp the geographical relationships among regions using the same variety.
Fendant as a regional name
When searching for Chasselas wines in Valais, you will encounter the name Fendant. Swiss Wine explains that the name Fendant is protected for Chasselas wines from Valais. Even for the same variety, wines from Vaud or Germany are not called Fendant. After matching the variety names, retain the region name for your records.
Gutedel of southern Germany
In Germany, this grape is known as Gutedel and its cultivation is mostly concentrated in the Markgräflerland in southern Baden. The DWI notes its gentle acidity, and explains that malolactic fermentation is done in some cases. Since this process converts malic acid to lactic acid and affects acidity, when comparing the flavors of two wines, check both the variety and the winemaking method.
What to align and what to compare.
Names
- Conditions to standardize
- The grape variety Chasselas
- Conditions for comparison.
- Chasselas, Fendant, Gutedel
- Additional points to confirm
- Correspond designation to region
Regions
- Conditions to standardize
- Gently aromatic white
- Conditions for comparison.
- Vaud Valley — Southern Baden
- Additional points to confirm
- Use the map to see the relationships to lakes and valleys.
Acidity
- Conditions to standardize
- Marked by gentle acidity
- Conditions for comparison.
- Malolactic fermentation status
- Additional points to confirm
- Check the producer's process
Order of reading and key points to consider in each article
0 / 4 articles completed
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- 1↗
Switzerland
Vaud: Chasselas on the lakeshore and the origin of the region name
Know the Chasselas of Vaud and the area's classification.
- 2↗
Switzerland
Reading Lavaux in depth: What do the terraces support?
Study the terraced vineyards along the lake and their sunlight conditions.
- 3↗
Switzerland
Valais Synonyms: Returning Labels to Varieties
Organize regional names like Fendant.
- 4↗
Germany
Baden: A North-South Stretching Land of Burgunder
Compare the German side's regions and varieties.
READ · HYPOTHESIZE · RECONSIDER
Chasselas reference reading: Lakeside whites and Gutedel
Compare two imaginary wines, focusing on their names and changes in acidity.
This is fictitious material created for study purposes. The analytical values and production processes do not reflect those of any actual label.
| Item | Valley A | Baden B |
|---|---|---|
| Designation | Fendant | Gutedel |
| Grapes | 100% Chasselas | 100% Gutedel |
| Malolactic fermentation | Implemented | Not stated |
| Residual sugar | Dry | Dry |
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Read the explanation for each question
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Which statement is correct regarding the two grape varieties?
Fendant and Gutedel both refer here to Chasselas. Even for the same variety, names differ by region. Compare these using the same variety, but remember that Valais and Baden as regions are distinct information.
Can A’s name be used exactly as is for Chasselas from a different region?
The name Fendant is linked to wines made from Chasselas in Valais. Don’t just memorize the grape variety; check which region uses the name. Even if you compare it to Germany’s Gutedel, you do not need to change the name of those wines.
What else do you want to check about B to compare acidity?
A undergoes malolactic fermentation, but for B, this is not stated. Since this process converts malic acid to lactic acid, it's a clue when comparing acidity. Do not take ‘not stated’ as ‘not conducted’; explain differences in production after confirming with the producer’s information.
Basis and sources for the exercise
Practice exercises in comparison
Compare two imaginary wines, focusing on their names and changes in acidity.
Read examples of organizing comparisons
| Conditions for Comparison | Switzerland | Germany |
|---|---|---|
| Main names | Chasselas / Fendant from Valais | Gutedel |
| Representative regions | Vaud Valley | Markgräflerland |
| Conditions for Comparison | Vineyard, harvest year, and winemaking | Vineyard, harvest year, and winemaking |
This is an organized study tool based on the designated articles for this course. You can check specific facts and sources in each article.
Explain in your own words
List the varieties common to both wines and the winemaking information to confirm before comparing acidity.
Check after writing
- Did you match Fendant and Gutedel to the same grape variety?
- Did you retain the region for Fendant?
- Did you not assume unrecorded steps were completed?
Save response to explanation task
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