Ticino
Ticino, Merlot’s happy home on the south side of the Alps
On the southern slope of the Alps, the Ticino region enjoys a sunny climate influenced by the Mediterranean. Ticino is divided into two regions: Sopraceneri (Bellinzona) to the north of Monte Ceneri where there are still vines in pergolas, and Sottoceneri (Lugano) to the south. The Ticino vineyards are traditionally scattered in small plots. On nearly 80% of Ticino's vines, Merlot is grown which, when it enjoys a favorable situation and is vinified according to the rules of the art, sets itself up as a real competitor to the red wines of Bordeaux. We can say that it has found a second home in Ticino. Merlot Bianco, a Merlot wine vinified in white, is gaining more and more followers.
Ticino Information
| Key info | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Area | 1'163 ha | ||
| Distribution | 10% white, 90% red (NB approximately 20% of Merlot is vinified white) |
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| Climate | A wetter, sunnier, Mediterranean climate than the rest of Switzerland but high rainfall at 1,600mm per year as well as serious hailstorms |
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| Soils | Gneiss in the north, limestone in the south | ||
| Cultivation | Terraces and pergolas | ||
| Source | www.ticinowine.ch |
Ticino Map
Ticino Grapes
| Grapes (white) | Area | Share of region |
|---|---|---|
| Chardonnay | 47 ha | 4.0% |
| Sauvignon blanc | 20 ha | 1.7% |
| Grapes (red) | Area | Share of region |
|---|---|---|
| Merlot | 891 ha | 76.6% |
| Cabernet Franc | 15 ha | 1.3% |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | 15 ha | 1.3% |
| Pinot Noir | 12 ha | 1.0% |
| Gamaret | 10 ha | 0.9% |
Our selection of Ticino producers
In no particular order, we have selected for you the following wineries for the quality of their wines and/or their hospitality.
| Estate | Address | Website | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AZIENDA MONDÒ |
Via Al Mondò 3, 6514 Sementina (TI) |
www.aziendamondo.ch |
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| GIALDI VINI | Via Vignoo, 3, 6850 Mendrisio (TI) |
www.gialdi.ch |
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| TENUTA LUIGINA | Via Bruciata 2, 6855 Stabio (TI) |
www.tenutaluigina.ch |
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| TENUTA SAN GIORGIO | Via al Bosco 40, 6990 Cassina d'Agno (TI) |
www.tenutasangiorgio.ch |
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| CHRISTIAN ZUENDEL | Beride 25/31, 6980 Croglio-Castelrotto (TI) |
www.zuendel.ch |