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 14,569 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.
From the grapevine to the wine glass: discover fascinating insights about wine, learn technical terms, and deepen your knowledge with our wine courses.
Sauvignon Blanc
Grape variety White
Serving temperature:
8-10°C
Sauvignon Blanc fact sheet
Grown in Switzerland on approximately 220 hectares
Also known as Blanc Fumé
The taste of Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc offers a veritable basket of aromas: gooseberry, blackcurrant bud, citrus (lime, grapefruit), green apple, and even cut grass or elderflower. If it has had a lot of sun, it can evoke more exotic notes, such as mango or passion fruit. On the palate, it enchants with its crisp acidity, which makes it very refreshing.
Depending on how it is matured, mineral or slightly smoky notes may also develop. As it ages, the aromatic liveliness gives way to roundness and greater complexity.
Fans of Riesling or Verdejo will also enjoy Sauvignon Blanc.
Sauvignon Blanc goes well with these dishes
Sauvignon Blanc is wonderful with fish dishes, such as lemon butter pike-perch or grilled tuna. Its acidity goes particularly well with fresh ingredients such as tomatoes or green vegetables.
It is a classic pairing with goat's cheese, especially from the French-speaking Swiss region. Spicy Asian dishes also benefit from its liveliness.
However, it is more difficult to pair with rich meat dishes or creamy sauces, which make it seem a little thin.
History and culture of Sauvignon Blanc
Originally from France, Sauvignon Blanc has been enjoyed in Switzerland since the 1980s. It is a very demanding grape variety in terms of location and care, preferring cool, well-ventilated and sufficiently sunny areas. A climate that is too warm will cause it to lose its freshness. Winemakers appreciate it for its expressiveness.
Distribution of Sauvignon Blanc in Switzerland
Sauvignon Blanc is most widespread in German-speaking Switzerland, which has nearly half of the area devoted to this grape variety. Geneva and Valais follow.
Distribution of grape varieties
Sauvignon blanc is grown in several wine-producing regions
41%
18%
10%
10%
10%
9%
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Sauvignon Blanc
This is generally the case. In Switzerland, it is almost exclusively vinified as a dry wine, with an emphasis on freshness and fruit.
This characteristic is due to natural aromatic substances that are particularly accentuated by a cool climate. They are typical of this grape variety and give it its character.
The vast majority of wines are best drunk young, within two to three years. However, some well-made, barrel-aged wines have good aging potential.
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