Switzerland represents 0.2% of the world's wine-growing area. There are a total of 252 grape varieties here, 168 of which are registered by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) in one or other of the cantonal AOCs.
The four main grape varieties are Pinot Noir, Chasselas, Gamay and Merlot, which account for 66% of the vineyard area.
The grape varieties are divided into three families:
Native or indigenous grape varieties, which are the hallmark of Swiss viticulture and account for its diversity, are grown on 36% of the area. These are Chasselas with 24% and Gamaret, Garanoir, Arvine, Amigne and many others, which are grown on 9% of the area.
These are imported grape varieties such as Pinot Noir, Gamay or Merlot, which are now an integral part of Swiss viticulture. These varieties enable Swiss producers to demonstrate the quality of the terroir and their expertise in international comparison.
This category includes man-made crosses between two varieties of Vitis vinifera (or between Vitis vinifera and an American vine), which are aimed at a particular characteristic (earlier ripening, tannins, colour, aroma).
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