Swiss white wine is usually made from one
or more varieties of the European species, Vitis vinifera. When one of
these varieties, such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, or Merlot, for example,
is used as the predominant grape (usually defined by law as a minimum
of 75 or 85%) the result is a varietal, as opposed to a blended swiss
white wine. Blended swiss wines are in no way inferior to varietal wines;
some of the world's most valued and expensive wines from the Bordeaux,
Rioja or Tuscany regions, are a blend of several grape varieties of the
same vintage.
Swiss white wines such as the Fendant is an exceptional wine with cheese.
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| The variety of white wine grapes, aspect, swiss alpine elevation, and topography of the swiss vineyard, type and chemistry of soil, Switzerlands climate and seasonal conditions under which swiss white wine grapes are grown, the local yeast cultures come together to form the concept of "terroir." The range of possibilities lead to great variety among Switzerlands wine products, which is extended by the fermentation, finishing, and aging processes. Many small swiss wine producers use growing and production methods that preserve or accentuate the aroma and taste influences of their unique Swiss alpine terroir. |