Ticino

The only Swiss vineyard area on the southern slopes of the Alps, Ticino is exposed to abundant rainfall and generous sunshine. This climate, with maritime influences, favoured the development of Merlot. Nearly 80 percent of Ticino's vineyards are planted with Merlot which, when it enjoys a favourable situation and is vinified according to the rules of the art, sets itself up as a real competitor to Bordeaux's red wines. It thrives both on the steep terraces of Sopraceneri in the north of the canton and on gently sloping vine parcels in Sottoceneri. Sometimes vinified as a white, Merlot Bianco is an elegant white wine that is becoming more and more popular.

Merlot, originally from Bordeaux, has found a second home in Ticino where it produces distinguished wines and gives birth to some of the most prestigious vintages in the country. Thanks to effective communication on a unique grape variety known to all, Ticino has the strongest and best-known image of all Swiss wine regions.