In Switzerland's wine-producing regions, which include Valais, Vaud, German-speaking Switzerland, Geneva, Ticino and the Three-Lakes region, over 2,500 winegrowers cultivate 14,696 hectares of vineyards.
The special relief of the Swiss vineyards leads to viticulture on a human scale, where the winemaker's hand is the most important tool in helping the grapes to ripen.
Switzerland offers numerous wine tourism destinations and activities in the heart of the Alps. A wide variety of landscapes and grape varieties ensure exciting experiences.
Pairing wine and food doesn't have to be complicated. We show how the right wine can perfectly round off a dish.
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Gamay
Grape variety Red
About the grape variety
A natural cross between Pinot and Gouais Blanc, Gamay was probably born in Burgundy (F) where it was mentioned in records (and banned...) in 1395. Its relationship makes it a brother of Chardonnay, Aligoté, Melon and other lesser-known grape varieties, and helps us understand why it was long confused with Pinot Noir, especially in French-speaking Switzerland where both were called Dôle. Its name comes from the village Gamay near Saint-Aubin in Côte d'Or (Burgundy). An early variety that is susceptible to disease, its yields must be controlled on soils that are too rich. In Switzerland, we find an old variety called Plant Robert in Lavaux.
Features
Gamay produces wines with notes of red fruits (strawberry, raspberry, cherry). It has soft tannins and sustained acidity.
Distribution of grape varieties
Gamay is grown in several wine regions
43%
29%
26%
1%
0%
0%
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