Typifying the distinctive character of La Côte, these varieties are well suited to the climate and grow wonderfully well under the excellent conditions afforded by the region’s hillsides, both in terms of topography (south or south-east facing and very steep) and meteorology.
Servagnin was introduced to the Morges region over 600 years ago and was the first Pinot Noir grown in Switzerland. Aged in oak casks, the wine produced by this grape reveals notes of bark and woodland berries. To obtain the Servagnin appellation, vines must be grown exclusively in the Morges wine-growing area and producers are subject to extremely strict regulations.
Developed by the Agroscope Changins-Wädenswil (ACW) research unit, Mara, like Gamaret and Garanoir, derives from a blend of Gamay and Reichensteiner. It is considered an early-harvest variety and would appear to be well suited to less exposed wine-growing areas. Mara can produce original, full-bodied and colourful wines with notes of red fruit and spices.
Galotta produces powerful, colourful, full-bodied wines with a fine bouquet and rich in good quality tannins, which makes them highly recommended for blending.
Der Pinot Gris stammt aus derselben Familie wie der Pinot Noir. Die üppige Traubensorte mit der goldgelben Farbe ergibt einen kräftigen Wein mit langem Abgang, der mit rauchigen Noten von Unterholz, verbrannten Ranken und Pilzen eine grosse aromatische Komplexität zeigt. Ein äusserst edler, harmonischer Wein, gestützt durch eine angenehme Frische. Bestens geeignet zur Herstellung von Likörweinen.
Riesling x Sylvaner is known worldwide by the name of its creator, Professor Müller-Thurgau. The name Riesling x Sylvaner is only used in Switzerland. To develop its aromas it needs a temperate, relatively cool climate and adapts poorly to regions that are too warm. When conditions are right, this variety produces elegant wines that are fresh and extremely aromatic.
The Viognier grape variety produces fine white wines that are both rich and silky-smooth on the palate. When the harvest is ripe, it stands out by its aromas of orange blossom and citrus, reinforced by notes of apricot and peach. Sensitive to oxidation, this wine should be enjoyed when young.
Chasselas is a typical regional wine, with a discreet bouquet but very fine and powerful on the palate. Contrary to varieties that have a very particular flavour, Chasselas is neutral by nature, with fewer specific qualities. This characteristic allows it to develop according to the soil in which it is grown, so that once bottled it expresses regional subtleties, which is what gives these wines their special charm.
Derived from a blend of Chasselas and Chardonnay, Doral is an early ripening grape that produces fine, full-bodied and well-balanced wines. Reserved initially for the production of white wines, it can also be used for sweet or sparkling wines. Enhanced by good acidity, it acquires a full-bodied quality when the grapes are well ripened.
Cabernet Franc is a variety with great aromatic finesse, characterised by its rich and spicy bouquet. Depending on the soil in which it is grown, its nose brings to mind the aroma of raspberries, violets or liquorice. It is used mainly for the preparation of Vaud blends and has good ageing qualities.
Chardonnay produces a full wine that is slightly sweet on the palate. Originally from Burgundy, it is used for white wines and sparkling wines. Its notes of white fruit and flowers make for a fresh tasting wine, while its many qualities quickly won the hearts and minds of Swiss wine producers.
Gamay is a generous variety developing fruity, peppery aromas, and is wonderfully full-flavoured. Originally from the Beaujolais region, its bouquet develops well when grown in clay-rich or granite-rich soil. Considered until now as a light wine, it is increasingly receiving the attention it deserves.
Originally Swiss, Gamaret was obtained by blending Gamay and Reichensteiner. It was used initially to give colour to blended wines but stands out as an excellent red in its own right. Dense and richly coloured, it develops dark fruit flavours and slightly spicy tannins on the palate.
As its name implies, Pinot Blanc is the white variety of Pinot Noir and should not be confused with Chardonnay, in whose shadow it has always remained. It produces wines which at times seem slightly neutral, but which can also prove very fine, full of character and richly structured. Its bouquet of white flowers is a sheer delight.
Gewürztraminer is an old grape variety familiar in Alsace, also known by the name Traminer Rose. Its aromatic qualities develop during fermentation, giving the wine flavours of exotic fruit and roses. It is a well-structured, full-bodied wine with a powerful bouquet.
Used traditionally in the Bordeaux region, Merlot is cultivated today in all major wine-growing countries. Derived from the Cabernet family, it owes it success to its intense, dark colour, sometimes even verging on black. Its roundness reveals smooth tannins combined with flavours of woodland berries and chocolate. It is particularly well suited to the climate and soil of La Côte.
Well represented in Switzerland, Garanoir was created in the region around Pully (near Lausanne) in the 1970s. A blend of Gamay and Reichensteiner, it has very attractive qualities, such as the colour it gives the wine, its early harvesting, and its proven resistance to rot.
Sauvignon Blanc has an unmistakable bouquet containing notes of citrus fruit (grapefruit and lemon), blackcurrant and elderberry blossom, but sometimes also hints of flora. On the palate it is not only fresh, crisp and sharp, but also elegant and refined.