May 2024
Into the Alps!
What started as a wine club based around the idea of ‘alpine wines’ came to fruition as a showcase of the most alpine wines of all: wines of Switzerland! Swiss wines are fairly tricky to come by and very little is exported out of the country, let alone across the Atlantic to us here in the states.
Historically, Swiss winemakers have a very difficult time bringing grapes to full ripeness unless they were directly on the shores of a large body of water such as Lake Geneva. In recent decades, through improved farming/winemaking practices and a shifting climate, Swiss wines have become significantly more reliable and respected outside their home soil. The grapes grown in Switzerland shift as you move from the West (French), to the South (Italian), to the Northeast (German/Austrian). Most of the production is in the western French part of the country and the grapes are generally of French origin. The grape Switzerland calls its own, Chasselas, is a white grape that likely originated in the Northern Rhone Valley, and is a relation of Viognier. It’s now essentially only grown in Switzerland, where it produces a large quantity of dry white wine - our first wine, below, is 100% Chasselas in this very easy-going style.
The only non-French grape this month is Gamaret, a cross between Gamay and Reichensteiner valued for its early ripening and high resistance to rot (a big problem in Swiss vineyards). Crosses like this are fairly common in Northeast, German-speaking Switzerland, just as they are popular in both Germany and Austria.
Without further ado… Switzerland!
Cave de la Côte Chasselas
Vin de Pays, Switzerland
The Grapes
100% Chasselas
Producer Profile
Cave de la Cote is one of the larger producers in Switzerland (which would still make them fairly tiny in the wider wine-growing world). They’re effectively a coop of hundreds of very tiny family growers without the infrastructure to make their own wine. This, their mainline Chasselas offering, is a blend of Chasselas from across western Switzerland, mostly along the banks of Lake Geneva.
Tasting Notes
Crisp and refreshing acidity. Straight-forward notes of lemon and stone fruit with some flowery aromatics on the finish.
Pairing Suggestions
This is an easy-going wine for finger foods and cheeses. Soft gruyere on a nice cracker, anyone?
Chiar di Luna Bianco di Merlot ‘Ticino’
Ticino, Switzerland
The Grapes
100% Merlot
Producer Profile
Chiar di Luna is in the very Italian canton of Ticino, just up the alps from Milan. Merlot is the overwhelmingly dominant grape here and is made in almost every style. This, one of the coolest wines we’ve had in a wine club, is a pure, white merlot. The grapes are the same red grapes used for red wine, they’re just very carefully pressed immediately after harvest and the clear juice is taken and fermented off the skins and seeds. This is maybe the only place in the world making pure, clean ‘white merlot’, enjoy!
Tasting Notes
Apple and peaches on the nose followed up by lovely florality. Honeycomb, ripe fruit, more stone fruit, and florality reminiscent of freshly crushed lilies or orchids.
Pairing Suggestions
Baked fish with a lemon-garlic sauce, it is opening weekend after all.
Favre et Fils Dole
Valais, Switzerland
The Grapes
Gamay, Pinot Noir
Producer Profile
Domaine Favre et Fils is one of the older continuously running wineries in the Valais, founded by the grandfather of the current owners, John and Mike. They work in a thoroughly French style, and this is a lovely, fresh Beaujolais-esque offering. Also, per the importer, they do have a Brett Favre jersey in their tasting room.
Tasting Notes
Red cherry, strawberry, and fresh herbs. Nice bright acidity and the low tannin expected from these grapes. Finish is pleasant and fruity with notes of spice.
Pairing Suggestions
Swiss cheese chicken bake!
Cave de la Côte ‘Gamaret’ Expression
La Côte AOC, Switzerland
The Grapes
100% Gamaret
Producer Profile
This is a single-varietal release from Cave de la Cote, the producer of the Chasselas above. Made very classically with a perfect touch of oak aging.
Tasting Notes
Blackberry, raspberry, black cherry, crushed herbs on the nose. Moderate tannin, moderate acid, nice long finish. Blackberry, black fruit, cacao nibs, tobacco, crushed red flowers on the palate. The chocolate characteristics really come out as you sit with it.
Pairing Suggestions
Steak or other rich red meat rubbed with coffee. Grilled or braised veggies on the side.