By Gina Trippi
When you hear “wine from Switzerland,” you probably think little bottles of some white blend for tourists. But why shouldn’t Switzerland have great grapes? The country is nestled amidst Italy, which has 500 varietals; France, hosting 200 varietals; and Austria, Spain and Germany. In fact, Switzerland grows 252 different varietals used for wine.
Chasselas, known as Fendant, the national name of the grape in Switzerland, is the most important and widely planted grape in Switzerland. It is most often grown in the Lake Geneva region and Vaud, the second largest wine region sited in the French-speaking southwest of the country.
https://thelaurelofasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Grapevine-LAlpage-Label-copy-2-271x1024.jpg 271w, https://thelaurelofasheville.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Grapevine-LAlpage-Label-copy-2-407x1536.jpg 407w" alt="" width="200" height="755" class="alignright wp-image-81261" style="box-sizing: border-box; height: auto; max-width: 100%; border: 0px; vertical-align: middle; display: inline; float: right; margin-left: 20px;" decoding="async" />The temperate climate and light enable Vaud’s prized terroir. The waters of Lake Geneva moderate the summertime highs and prevent spring frosts. The sun passes over the water during the day, reflecting light to the vineyards.
Like many grapes, the origin of Chasselas is widely debated. It was historically believed that the grape was indigenous to the Middle East or Egypt. But many hold to the theory that the location bearing the most forms of a varietal is probably the point of origin. And recently, DNA research supports this time-honored theory, suggesting Chasselas was home-grown on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Most versions of Chasselas are dry, rich and complex with good acidity, giving the wine, like Riesling, the ability to age in the bottle in cellar conditions. As Chasselas ages, expect more honeyed and nutty flavors and a deep golden hue in the glass.
L’Alpage Chasselas is a custom cuvée selected by North Carolina importer Eric Solomon. The vines, grown in very specific soils of clay, limestone and schist along the upper Rhône River, make for a pure, friendly style. L’Alpage refers to the mountain meadows, as the winemaker says, not unlike the opening scene from The Sound of Music.
Because of local demand, together with international trade policies, Swiss wine is not widely available outside of Switzerland. Only about 1 percent of Swiss wine produced is exported. Provins, the winery that makes L’Alpage Chasselas, is a cooperative that produces sustainably grown, hand-harvested wines. The grapes in this bottle were fermented in stainless steel.
As you might suspect, Chasselas pairs best with traditional Swiss cuisine, including fondue, raclette, mushroom pastry and grilled fish. Because Chasselas has good acidity, it can serve as a refreshing contrast to a spicy dish and even pairs seamlessly with the earthy flavors of asparagus.
How did such an appealing grape go unnoticed? Well, the grape ripens early, needing the cool Alpine slopes of Switzerland. And the vine can be over-productive, leading to bottles that lack distinction. Chasselas is planted throughout Europe, particularly in France, Germany and Austria, as well as parts of North Africa, where the varietal is just not taken seriously. The serious expressions of Chasselas, such as L’Alpage, are difficult to find stateside. And that’s why you shop at Metro Wines!
Gina Trippi is the co-owner of Metro Wines, 169 Charlotte Street in Asheville. Committed to the community, Metro Wines offers big-shop selection with small-shop service. Gina can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 828.575.9525.