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Switzerland
: Switzerland is renowned for its breathtakingly scenic landscapes, including the Swiss Alps, lakes Geneva and Lucerne, quaint villages and fantastic skiing. The country is famous for its fine craftsmanship of high quality knives, luxury watches and the Swiss Army Knife. However, long before music boxes and clocks were being produced, the country was fashioning quality wine. Switzerland may not be recognized as one of the top wine producing countries in world, but it has been cultivating wine grapes for over 2000 years.
This lack of fame is not due to any lack of quality or quantity, but because it is produced mostly for, and consumed by the Swiss themselves. Things, however, are changing for the Swiss wine industry, as the world beyond the Alps is now discovering the high quality of wines being made here. Switzerland’s native and key white wine grape, Chasselas, is planted to one-third of all vineyard space and is highly recognizable within the country, and recently, internationally. Varietals such as Pinot Noir, Gamay, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are beginning to increase in vineyard space and international interest.
The landlocked country is highly influence by its neighboring countries, France, Germany, Austria and Italy. Much like its diversity in language and culture, so is its diversity of grape varieties. This is evident by observing the vineyards planted near and around the country’s border. Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Gewurztraminer are a reminder of the proximity to Alsace (France) and Germany. This is true in regards to the reds of French origin as well (Pinot Noir, Gamay and Merlot). Austria and Italy are also influence in their own right.
Switzerland’s topography is highly suited to a myriad of varietals. Its mountains, terraces and steep slopes provide not only a dramatic landscape, but incredible free-draining soils. The climate is cool overall, but varies dramatically from place to place. Valais enjoys high summer temperatures and abundant sunshine, while Ticino endures frequent storms and high rainfall with some of the country’s highest average temperatures. Each location’s micro-climate and terroir greatly benefit the cultivation of each grape.
Today, Switzerland has 16,000 hectares under vine and with a newly implemented, French-style appellation system being implemented, the country’s wine industry is increasing in structure and cognizance. With an annual production of 148 million bottles produced, Switzerland may not yet be comparable to its neighbors’ production, but each of these countries has progressed in their own fashion as well. The future of the Swiss wine industry looks promising and will be exciting to see its evolution into a major exporting nation.
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