Grapes

Previously the most widely grown variety in Ticino where there are records of it dating back to 1785, Bondola was rapidly supplanted by Merlot which was introduced in 1906 after the phylloxera crisis. DNA tests have shown that Bondola and Briegler in German-speaking Switzerland are identical. A variety with rustic tannins and distinct acidity, it is now only grown in Ticino, particularly in Sopraceneri, where it produces wines that are fruity and crisp with an Alpine character.

Associated name: Briegler

See Bondola

See Cornalin d'Aoste

Grown in the Valtellina region of Italy as both a table grape and a wine grape, Brugnola is usually blended with Nebbiolo (called Chiavennasca in Valtellina) and with Rossola. Until quite recently Brugnola was considered the same as the Fortana variety cultivated in Emilia-Romagna. DNA profiling now shows that Brugnola is, in fact, related to Nebbiolo.

Although it is one of the original varieties of the great wines of Bordeaux, the ancestral origins of Cabernet Franc are in the Spanish Basque Country. From there it expanded into Gironde, then to the Loire region, where it has become one of the most commonly grown red grapes. DNA tests have revealed that it is the direct genitor of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmenère. In Switzerland, this mid-season variety, resistant to fungal disease, is grown in particular in French-speaking Switzerland and in Ticino, where it produces wine with an aroma of violets, high in tannins, with more or less herbaceous notes depending on the yields.

A flagship variety of Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most commonly grown grapes in the world. The unexpected discovery of its heritage in 1997 was big news: it's a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, which probably took place in Gironde before the 18th century. This makes it a half-sibling of Merlot and Carmenère. This variety prone to fungal disease is grown essentially for making Bordeaux blends (with Cabernet Franc and Merlot), adding notes of blackcurrants and blackberries.

Cargnola (red)
See Cornalin d'Aoste

A natural cross of Pinot and Gouais Blanc, Chardonnay probably originated in Saône-et-Loire, where it was recorded at the end of the 17th century. In fact, its ancestry means it is a full sibling of Gamay, Aligoté, Melon and other less well known varieties, so it's easy to understand how for a long time it was confused with Aligoté and Pinot Blanc. Its name comes from the village of Chardonnay near Mâcon (Burgundy). An early variety which is prone to disease, it needs a well-exposed chalky soil that is not too dry. It produces wines with highly variable aromas depending on the terroir and the winemaking process, from lime to vanilla butter. 

Associated name: Clävner

An icon for French-speaking Switzerland, Chasselas is a very old variety originating in the Lemanic Arc (north of Lake Geneva), where it was already known under the name of Fendant in the 17th century, in reference to its grapes that split easily in your fingers. The canton of Vaud gradually stopped using this variety's name in favour of appellations based on villages, so that since 1966 the name Fendant has been protected for the exclusive use of the Valais region, where the variety was introduced in 1848. A wonderful expression of the terroirs where it is grown, Chasselas or Fendant is the most common white grape variety in Switzerland, mainly grown in the cantons of Vaud, Valais, Geneva and Neuchâtel. Early and delicate both on the vine and in the cellar, Chasselas gives subtle and elegant wines, to be savoured as an apéritif or with a meal. The variety is also planted in the Savoie region where it is the main grape on the south side of Lake Geneva.

Associated names: Fendant, Gutedel

See Nebbiolo

See Chardonnay

Clevner (red)
See Pinot Noir

Completer is old variety from Graubünden (Switzerland) where there are records of it dating back to 1321 at Malans near Coire. This variety takes its name from completorium (known today as compline), the evening service of the Benedictine monks who were then authorised to drink a glass of it in silence. In Haut Valais, Completer gave rise to Lafnetscha, with which it is often confused. A late-ripening variety that enjoys the Alpine foehn wind, Completer produces rich, strong wines, whose considerable natural acidity gives it great potential for ageing. By the 1960s it had almost disappeared, and today a few rare Completer vineyards persist in Switzerland, mainly in Graubünden, but also in Zurich, and since very recently in Valais.

Corbeau (red)
See Douce Noire

Traditionally known as Rouge du Pays, this old variety from the Valais was renamed Cornalin in 1972, borrowing the name from a variety in the Aosta Valley. This was clearly a premonition, as DNA tests revealed it was in fact a natural cross between two varieties from the Aosta Valley: Petit Rouge and Mayolet. Originally from Aosta, it was probably introduced into the Valais region a very long time ago via the Great St Bernard Pass, while it has disappeared from its valley of origin in Italy. On the brink of extinction in Valais, it was saved by a handful of enthusiasts in the 1970s, so successfully that it has now become the symbolic red wine grape of the Valais, where it is exclusively grown. Difficult to manage in the vineyards and producing variable yields, Cornalin delivers colourful, fruity and juicy wines with silky tannins and a pleasant bitterness.

Associated name: Rouge du Pays

An artificial cross of Robin Noir and Pinot Noir, Diolinoir was created in 1970 at the Agroscope Research Centre in Pully (Switzerland) in order to intensify the colour of Pinot Noir. It takes its name from its ancestors, Robin Noir being known as Rouge de Diolly in Valais. Resistant to grey mould, it produces strong, full-bodied wines and is often used for blends.

Diolle is an old variety of Valais in Switzerland, recorded for the first time in 1654 around Conthey. Until 2007, Diolle was thought to have disappeared, until two surviving vines were discovered in a wall at Savièse. DNA tests indicate that it is an offspring of Rèze. This revived variety was planted by Didier Joris and José Vouillamoz in 2015.

An artificial cross of Gamaret and Bronner, Divico was created in 1996 at the Agroscope Research Centre in Pully (Switzerland) to obtain a multi-resistant variety for an ecological approach to combating mildew, powdery mildew and grey mould. Named after an ancient Swiss chieftain, Divico allows a drastic reduction in the use of crop protection products. Maturing late like Gamaret, Divico produces wines that are rich in colour and tannins and can be used as a single variety or in blends. Available at wine nurseries from 2015.

Born from the union of Bronner and Gamaret, the white Divona grape variety is the fruit of 20 years of patient and meticulous selection carried out by the Agroscope research institute. Divona has very good oenological potential and resistance to gray rot thanks to Gamaret. The Bronner grape variety strongly protects it against mildew and powdery mildew (diseases caused by fungi).IRAC 2060, codename of Divona, was selected from thousands of applicants based on criteria relating to both the vine and the wine: disease resistance, climate adaptation, production capacity and sugar content. This new grape variety shares the same parents as Divico – the red brother of Divona.

See Mondeuse Blanche

Prior to the 20th century this late-ripening variety (meaning ‘sweet black’) was planted extensively in Savoie. Today there are only limited plantings remaining in the region. Beyond Savoie it was called Corbeau, which means crow and is a reference to the wine’s deep colour. The same grape has been identified as Charbono in California and Bonarda in Argentina where it is widely cultivated. 

This variety was given the name of Enantio (pronounced 'enanzio') in the 1980s, having previously been known as Lambrusco a Foglia Frastagliata. Ungrafted vines grow on pergolas mainly in Trentino. It makes deep red wines with soft tannins that are best drunk with rustic Trentino cuisine. 

See Marsanne 

See Etraire de l’Adui

See Chasselas

Fumin is a red grape native to the Aosta Valley in northern Italy. According to the latest DNA analyses, there is a direct genetic link with the Vuillermin variety. A grape with a rustic reputation, often used in blends.

An artificial cross of Gamay and Reichensteiner, Gamaret was created in 1970 at the Agroscope Research Centre in Pully (Switzerland) to obtain a variety that was similar to Gamay, but more resistant and with a richer colour. First officially sold in 1990, it is a full-sibling of Garanoir and Mara. Named after its ancestors, Gamaret is an early grape and highly resistant to grey mould. Grown mainly in Switzerland, but authorised in Beaujolais since 2008, its wines are colourful, spicy, high in tannins and often used for blends.

A natural cross of Pinot and Gouais Blanc, Gamay probably originated in Burgundy where it was first recorded in 1395 (and also banned there several times in the 16th and 18th centuries). Its ancestry means it is a full-sibling of Chardonnay, Aligoté, Melon and other less well known varieties, so it's easy to understand how for a long time it was confused with Pinot Noir, particularly in French-speaking Switzerland, where both were referred to as Dôle. Its name comes from the village of Gamay near Saint-Aubin in the Côte d'Or (Burgundy). An early variety which is prone to disease, its yield must be carefully managed on overly rich soils. In Switzerland, where an ancient biotype of it known as Plant Robert is found in Lavaux, it's an important variety which produces wines with notes of cherry and peony.

An aromatic mutation of Savagnin Rose, which itself is a colour mutation of Savagnin Blanc (Heida or Païen in Valais), Gewürztraminer takes its name from Gewürz, which means spice in German, and Traminer (Savagnin Blanc). Observed for the first time in 1827 in Rheingau, this mutation has multiplied and been propagated throughout the world. An early-ripening grape suited to cooler climates with a powerful aroma of rose petals and lychees.

See Moscato Giallo 

See Pinot Gris

Gringet is a white grape variety, endemic to the Savoie vineyard. It is mainly grown in the Arve valley and more specifically in the Ayze vineyard (AOC). Only this appellation exploits this variety in an area which today represents only about 20 hectares.

See Nosiola

See Pignola

See Sylvaner

See Vien de Nus

See Vien de Nus

See Vien de Nus 

See Vien de Nus 

See Mondeuse Noire

Grüner Veltliner is a white wine variety from Austria particularly widespread in Lower Austria, especially in the regions of Vienna, Burgenland and Styria. Outside of this country, it is only little known but grows at altitude in the Valle Isarco of the Alto Adige and is also planted in some regions of the Czech Republic and Hungary, Germany and Slovakia. In 2007, DNA analysis confirmed that Grüner Veltliner was a natural cross between Savagnin (Traminer) and an obscure Austrian grape variety from the village of Sankt Georgen am Leithagebirge located near Eisenstadt in the Burgenland region in eastern Austria.

An extremely rare variety of Haut Valais (Switzerland), Himbertscha is a natural offspring of Humagne Blanc, and a half-sibling of Lafnetscha, another curio from Haut Valais. Its name does not come from Himbeer (raspberry) but from the dialect phrase "im Bercla" meaning "in the arbour". It was saved from extinction in the 1970s by Josef-Marie Chanton, who is still the only producer in the world, with a tiny vineyard. Its wine is elegant and highly acidic, with strange musky notes.

Humagne Blanche was first recorded in Valais (Switzerland) in a parchment dated to 1313 alongside Rèze, making it one of the oldest varieties in Europe. DNA tests have shown that Lafnetscha and Himbertscha are offsprings from it, and that its ancestral origins may lie in the Atlantic Pyrénées. Its name could derive from the Greek hylomaneus, meaning blooming. Genetically, it has no connection with Humagne Rouge. A late-ripening and vigorous variety, Humagne Blanche was one of the most widespread varieties in Valais until the 19th century. Its wines are delicate and elegant, with notes of hazelnuts and hints of resin as it ages.

With no link to Humagne Blanche, this variety introduced to the Valais region of Switzerland in the late 19th century from the Aosta Valley was confused with Petit Rouge in the Aosta Valley. DNA testing in 1999 identified it as Cornalin d'Aoste (from which Cornalin in the Valais borrowed its name in 1972). It is the product of a natural cross which took place in the Aosta Valley between Rouge du Pays and an unknown variety. It produces characterful wines with a slightly wild side that delivers notes of dried vine leaves and violets.

Associated names: Broblanc, Cornalin d'Aoste

Jacquère is a late-ripening white grape variety. In France, it is most common in Savoie and is used more marginally in Bugey and Dauphiné. It gives a fresh and light wine, to drink young. It is the traditional and almost exclusive variety of Apremont of Savoie.

An artificial cross of Schiava Grossa and Riesling created in 1929 at the Weinsberg Research Centre in Baden-Württemberg (D), Kerner was named after Dr Justinus Kerner, who wrote drinking songs. Productive and prone to powdery mildew, it has good resistance to cold. In Switzerland, these wines are like a less acidic version of Riesling.

Klävner (red)
See Pinot Noir

With records of it dating back to 1627 in the Upper Valais (Switzerland), Lafnetscha comes from a natural cross between Humagne Blanche from Valais and Completer from Graubünden, which means it is a half-sibling of Himbertscha. The name may come from Laff-nit-scha, a dialect form of "laff es nicht schon" (meaning don't drink it too soon), in reference to its high acidity. Grown exclusively in the Upper Valais, this local rarity produces dry wines, with sustained acidity and notes of apple and elderberry.

See Lagrein

Lagrein is a black grape variety grown in the Alto Adige and Trentino regions of Italy. Genetic analyses have shown a relationship between Lagrein and Teroldego as well as Marzemino. It produces spicy wines with a hint of bitterness, few tannins and rustic.

Associated name: Lagarino

See Velteliner Rouge Précoce

Originating in the Rhone valley (F), and named after a village near Montelimar in the Drôme region, Marsanne was introduced to Sion in the Valais region around 1845, where it was preserved under the name of Ermitage or Hermitage, in reference to the famous vineyard at Drôme. DNA tests suggest that Marsanne is a parent or an offspring of Roussanne. Ripening in mid-season, Marsanne is highly productive, with large bunches, but it is susceptible to fungal disease. In Switzerland, it is practically only grown in Valais, where it gives dry or sweet wines, with an aroma of raspberry liqueur, that can be stored for a long time.

Associated names: Ermitage, Hermitage

Marselan is a red grape variety from France, it is the result of crossbreeding between Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache Noir. It was created in 1961, near Marseillan by researchers from INRA (National Institute of Agricultural Research) and ENSAM (Arts et Métiers). It was introduced mainly in the vineyards of Languedoc, the Rhone Valley, in Spain as well as , in Switzerland, on the northern coast of California and in Israel.

Planted mainly in the Trentino region of Italy, this variety can be traced back to the 16th century. The vigorous vines are usually trained on pergolas. It produces fruity still wines as well as sparkling and sweet wines. DNA profiling has confirmed that the Teroldego variety is one of its parents and that Lagrein is a sibling. Mozart even lauded the grape in Act 2 of his opera Don Giovanni.

A rare indigenous variety of the Aosta Valley that has been rescued from extinction. It is usually blended with mainly Petit Rouge to produce Torrette. It is one of the parents with Petit Rouge of Cornalin (Rouge du Pays) in the Valais region of Switzerland.

A variety from Gironde in France, Merlot is used for blends in the great wines of Bordeaux. Its name comes from the French word for blackbird, who particularly enjoy its berries. Its parents were discovered through DNA tests: it's a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Magdeleine Noire des Charentes, an obscure old variety that has recently been threatened with extinction. Merlot is a half-sibling of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec (Cot) and Carmenère. In Switzerland, this variety which is easy to grow but prone to mildew was introduced to the canton of Vaud in the mid-19th century. However, its greatest success has been in Ticino, becoming the symbol of the canton after its introduction in 1906, following the phylloxera crisis.

An old variety from Savoie, Mondeuse Blanche has long been wrongly thought to be a mutation of Mondeuse Noire, which is much more common. In fact, DNA tests have shown that the rare Mondeuse Blanche is the parent of Syrah through a cross with Dureza from Ardèche, and a parent or a progeny of Mondeuse Noire and Viognier. In Switzerland, there are only a few plots of this discreet, late-ripening variety, producing wines of a neutral flavour with high alcohol levels.

Associated name: Dongine

An old variety from Savoie, Mondeuse Noire takes its name from Maldoux, in reference to its high natural acidity. DNA tests have revealed a parent-offspring link to Mondeuse Blanche, which means Mondeuse is related to Syrah, and explains why it is often called Grosse Syrah. In Switzerland, Mondeuse Noire used to be widespread before the 19th century around Lake Geneva and in the Valais region under the name of Gros Rouge. This vigorous variety is prone to disease, but has recently been the subject of renewed interest, producing spicy wines with a marked tannin flavour.

Associated name: Grosse Syrah, Mondeuse

See Moscato Giallo

See Moscato Rosa del Trentino

Moscato Giallo (white)
Moscato Giallo is an Italian white wine grape variety related to Moscato di Canelli (Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains). It has golden berries and an aromatic musky flavour.
Associated names: Goldmuskateller, Moscatel, Moscato

Moscato Rosa is a wine grape for pinkish red wine that belongs to the Muscat family of Vitis vinifera. Its name comes from its characteristic small berry size and tight clusters, and from its skin colour. It's a variation of the more common Moscato di Canelli (Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains) with a pinkish colour. Muscat Rouge à Petits Grains is a further variation with deeper skin colour. It originates from Greece. Associated names: Moscatel Roxo, Muscat Rose à Petits Grains, Red Frontignac, Rosenmuskateller

For a long time wrongly considered to be an artificial cross between Riesling and Sylvaner created by the Swiss Dr Hermann Müller in 1882 in Germany, DNA tests showed this heritage to be incorrect, and in 2000 revealed it was actually a cross of Riesling and Madeleine Royale. Despite everything, the name of Riesling x Sylvaner (or Riesling-Sylvaner) has been incorrectly retained in Switzerland, where this very early variety with abundant yields prone to fungal disease produces light, aromatic wines lacking in complexity.

Associated name: Riesling × Sylvaner

See Moscato Rosa del Trentino

Associated names: Chiavennasca, Picotendro

Neret (red)
See Neret di Saint-Vincent

Planted in the Aosta Valley sub-zone of Arnad-Montjovet this fairly obscure variety is used in blends to darken colour and raise the level of alcohol. DNA analysis has shown it to be an offspring of Cornalin (Rouge du Pays). 

Associated name: Neret

Traditionally this variety has been used to make Vin Santo in the Trentino region. More recently, it is being used to make aromatic and lively dry wines. DNA analysis shows a close relationship to Rèze in the Valais region of Switzerland.

Associated names: Groppello Bianco, Spargelen

See Vien de Nus 

See Petit Rouge 

See Savagnin Blanc 

See Petit Rouge 

See Petit Rouge 

See Roussin

See Nebbiolo

See Pinot Blanc