The Aargau wine region

The Limmattal wine region spans the slopes along the Limmat River and the foothills of the Lägern in the municipalities of Würenlos, Wettingen and Ennetbaden, extending downstream to the villages of Ober- and Untersiggenthal.

The soils consist mainly of Jura limestone with marl, supplemented by moraine soils and glacial and river deposits. This region focuses primarily on red wines, with Pinot Noir producing particularly dense and robust results.

In the Reuss Valley, notable vineyards are found in Gebenstorf and Birmenstorf, known for their bold Pinot Noirs. Further south, you come first of all to Niederrohrdorf, and then to the Bremgarten city vineyards in Zufikon, and finally to Rebhalde in Muri.

The soils here are rich in limestone with occasional layers of loess and moraine. The focus is on red wines, offering a spectrum from playful and fruity to structured and full-bodied.

The Lower Aare Valley begins at Untersiggenthal and extends to Würenlingen, a winegrowing village that hosts a major vine nursery. This area includes the municipalities of Endingen and Tegerfelden, the latter being the largest winegrowing community in the canton and home to the cantonal wine museum and Aargau’s only cooperage.

The vineyards of Döttingen and then Klingnau border on Tegerfelden. The mild climate influenced by the reservoir lake is particularly perceptible in the Klingnau vineyards.

In the Lower Aeretal deep, heavy clay soils with high limestone content predominate, yielding characterful and robust red and white wines. The emphasis is on cultivating red wines.

The Fricktal, Aargau’s largest wine region, stretches from the canton of Basel-Landschaft to the Bözberg and Staffelegg passes. This region is home to the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) in Frick, which employs some 200 specialists. The research institute has  its own vineyard, which plays a major role in testing eco-friendly cultivation techniques.

From Mandach, Hottwil and Wil to Mettau and Sulz, the road leads to the Rhine and finally to Kaisten. Further downstream lie smaller vineyards in Obermumpf, Zeiningen and Magden. The Bözbergstrasse, which meanders away from the Rhine and leads back towards Aare, is dotted with the vineyards in the villages of Oeschgen and Frick.

The Fricktal produces a fairly balanced mix of red and white wines. The varied soil compositions enhance the floral and mineral notes of Riesling-Silvaner, while the red wines are medium-bodied, harmonious, and well-rounded.

In the Aarau catchment area vines are cultivated in Erlinsbach, Küttigen and Biberstein. Once past Auenstein on the left bank of the Aare River you come to the renowned Schenkenbergertal wine region, distinguished by the ruins of Schenkenberg Castle and Kastelen Castle. In Schinznach, Villnachern, Oberflachs and Thalheim aromatic and expressive white wines thrive. The valleys are guarded by two more castles, in the east by Habsburg castle and in the west by Wildegg Castle.

Historically dominated in particular by white wines, the region now focuses on reds and specialty wines. The Riesling-Silvaner from this area is noted for its intense bouquet and refreshing taste.

Seengen and Meisterschwanden are the largest winegrowing municipalities in the Seetal/Wildegg region. From the iconic Wildegg Castle, the road leads to Lenzburg and the Hallwilersee, the only lake partially located within the canton of Aargau. Just south of the lake lie the picturesque vineyards of Seengen am Hallwilersee.

The region’s deep soils in certain areas are particularly well-suited for cultivating Pinot Noir. As a result, vibrant, fruit-forward wines are produced here.