Chasselas

Chasselas is Switzerland's signature white grape and the country's viticultural identity. Known as Fendant in Valais and Gutedel in Germany, DNA analysis has confirmed it originated in the Lake Geneva arc — it is genuinely, provably Swiss. More than half of all Swiss white wine is made from this variety.

Unlike in other countries where Chasselas is considered a table grape, in Switzerland it produces serious, terroir-expressive wines. The best Chasselas — from Lavaux, Dézaley, Yvorne, Aigle — are mineral-driven, age-worthy, and show their vineyard origins as clearly as any Burgundian Chardonnay shows its. Chasselas from Neuchâtel tends toward the lightest, most mineral expression. Valais Fendant is rounder and richer.

The classic pairing is fondue and raclette, but fine Chasselas stands on its own as an aperitif or with freshwater fish. It is the grape that visitors to the Vaud and Valais wine regions will encounter most frequently.