10th place: Trebbiano Toscano
111,000 hectares of vineyards
This Italian grape variety is used for both dry and sweet wines and has a relatively neutral aroma. In addition to Italy, Trebbiano Toscano is grown mainly in France, although the French call the grape variety Ugni Blanc. Thanks to its neutral character and relatively high acidity, grapes are also ideal for distillates such as cognac or armagnac.
9th place: Pinot Noir
115,000 hectares of vineyards
Hailing from French Burgundy, this red crossover variety delights wine lovers all over the world with wonderful red wines. Alongside Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir is one of the grape varieties allowed in Champagne. The grape variety can be found in almost every wine-growing canton in this country too, with the best-known Swiss Pinot Noirs from the Bündner Herrschaft, Valais and the Three Lakes Region.
8th place: Sauvignon Blanc
121,000 hectares of vineyards
The global trend towards fresh, fruity, aromatic wines made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape variety is uninterrupted. The nice thing about the grape variety is the many different styles, for example from the French Loire, New Zealand or Slovenia. The wide-view Sauvignon Blanc tasting showed that when it comes to Sauvignon Blanc, Swiss viticulturalists are also at the forefront in terms of quality.
7th place: Grenache Noir
163,000 hectares of vineyards
Although the French do not like to hear it, it is currently assumed that this grape variety most likely came from the Spanish wine-growing region of Aragon. However, the world’s most beautiful and exciting Grenache Noir wines probably come from the southern French Rhône Valley, specifically the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region. By the way, in Sardinia the grape variety is called Cannonau.
6th place: Syrah
190,000 hectares of vineyards
Syrah is considered by many wine lovers to be one of the most exciting black grape varieties. The best wines can be found in the northern French Rhone Valley, and Syrah is also grown in many other countries such as Australia, USA, South Africa and Switzerland. The invincible Swiss king of Syrah is and remains the wine-producing canton of Valais.
5th place: Chardonnay
211,000 hectares of vineyards
From a few francs per 0.75 liter bottle to a five-digit amount: anything is possible with Chardonnay, the white grape variety. Although the most legendary and expensive Chardonnays come from Burgundy, this flagship variety produces great wines in more than 41 countries around the world. Swiss Chardonnays, like those from Bündner Herrschaft, are at the forefront of quality.
4th place: Airen
218,000 hectares of vineyards
The Spanish horse Airén is grown mainly in the wine-growing region of Castilla-La Mancha, in the center of the country. Similar to Trebbiano Toscano, this grape variety is relatively neutral in flavor and has good acidity. It is therefore not surprising that Airén grapes are mainly used for the production of the Brandy de Jerez distillate.
3rd place: Tempranillo
231,000 hectares of vineyards
Spain’s dark flagship variety enjoys immense popularity around the world. The best-known wines come from the Spanish wine-growing region Ribera del Duero, while the grape variety is also successfully cultivated in Portugal, Argentina, the USA and Australia. The styles of these red fruit wines range from simple and fruity wines to premium quality aged in French oak.
2nd place: Merlot
266,000 hectares of vineyards
Velvety tannins, predominantly red fruit flavors and high affinity for aging in oak are just some of the characteristics of this famous grape variety. Whether pure or blended with other grape varieties such as Syrah, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon or Petit Verdot: Merlot is one of the most sought after grape varieties in the world. Merlot also feels at home in Tessin’s sunny part of Switzerland and is the basis for full-bodied, well-structured and storable red wines.
1st place: Cabernet Sauvignon
340,000 hectares of vineyards
By a clear margin to other podium places, Cabernet Sauvignon retains its top spot as the most planted grape variety worldwide, not just today, but probably for the next few years as well. Whether from Bordeaux, California, Argentina, Chile, South Africa, Australia or China: The global demand for these spicy red wines, which have a predominantly dark fruity scent and are often ripened in oak barrels, continues unabated.