Switzerland: Vine varieties

Switzerland’s most planted grape variety is now Pinot Noir, or Blauburgunder as it is known by German speakers, planted on 29% of the country’s vineyard land. chasselas, or Gutedel in German, is the most planted white variety with 27%. In the Valais it is called Fendant, a name used until the late 19th century in Vaud where wines have since then been sold under their geographical appellations. Dorin in Vaud and Perlan in Geneva are brand names introduced in the late 20th century with mitigated success.