Exploring the wines of Switzerland at the WSET school in London

By Simon Hardy DipWSET

The Wine & Spirit Education Trust is a teaching institution devoted to the development and delivery of qualifications and courses in wines and spirits. Established in 1969 for the UK wine trade, the WSET has grown to become the global industry leader. Its qualifications are available through a network of over 800 Approved Program Providers working in over 70 countries and in 15 languages.

Until a few years ago, Switzerland used to be taught as part of the syllabus for the WSET Diploma (Level 4). Demand for this qualification was continuing to grow, and it was being taught in more and more countries, and increasingly online. However, it was proving harder to source quality Swiss wines in so many different places, since their availability outside Switzerland is relatively limited. As a result, the WSET removed several of the smaller producing countries such as Switzerland from the Diploma syllabus.

To ensure that Switzerland remained accessible to both students and alumni, the WSET school in London agreed to add a Swiss-themed tasting to its regular program of events. Simon Hardy DipWSET gave an introductory presentation to Switzerland’s six wine regions, its unique Alpine terroir and wide diversity of climates, as well as its treasure trove of indigenous grape varieties.

After serving a traditional Chasselas aperitif, he poured eight more wines, including Chasselas and Petite Arvine whites, Cornalin and Humagne Rouge reds, and world-class Pinot Noir and Merlot. The wines were accompanied by a selection of fine cheeses from Käseswiss, a London-based specialist in Swiss cheese.

The level of interest in the event resulted in a sell-out and a long waiting list. Based on this overwhelming response and the very positive feedback to the actual event, the school has asked Simon to repeat the event in the autumn and vary the selection of wines.

The wines presented :

White

• Domaine JR Germanier - Fendant Les Terrasses 2020

• Massy Vins - Chemin de Fer, Dézaley Grand Cru 2020

• Domaine JR Germanier - Petite Arvine 2019

• Domaine des Muses - Heida Tradition 2020

Red

• Schlossgut Bachtobel - Pinot Noir No 2 2019

• Domaine JR Germanier- Humagne Rouge Classique 2020

• Les Frères Dutruy - Gamaret Grande Réserve Les Romaines 2019

• Domaine JR Germanier - Cornalin Réserve 2019

• Brivio Vini - Riflessi d’Epoca 2018