Chasselas are popular worldwide as a table grape. It is mainly used for wine production in Switzerland and Germany.
Chasselas, also called Fendant in Valais and Gutedel in Germany, is the most widely grown grape variety in Switzerland after Pinot Noir. It even ranks first among whites, and with a total area of 3,573 hectares, it accounts for a quarter of all Helvetic vines.
Characteristics of the grape variety
Chasselas is a precocious, high yielding variety. One of their assets is their ability to tastefully reproduce the natural environment. Chasselas wines from the same growing area and vintage, therefore, often differ markedly if they come from different soils or places.
Typical wine character
The aroma of mostly pale yellow, dry and low acid wines is quite reserved. The nose is dominated by floral notes such as linden blossom, often accompanied by mineral aromas such as flint or chalk. Light saltiness in the finish is typical for the palate, as well as citrus and apples.
In western Switzerland, light, sparkling specimens are traditionally served as a thirst quencher or aperitif. The combination of Chasselas with cheese dishes should not have remained hidden from most wine lovers.
specialties
Thanks to its neutral, delicate aroma, Chasselas is suitable not only for still wines, but also for sweet and sparkling wines. “Non Filtré” from the canton of Neuchâtel is a specialty for impatient people who cannot wait for the new crop.
It can be tasted at the town hall of Neuchâtel on the third Wednesday of January every year. Some Vaud winemakers chose a different path. They release their bottle-aged Chassela only after five to ten years. These full-bodied specimens from top positions, notably the Grand Cru Dézaley, show an intricate, ripe bouquet of straw, hazelnuts and honey.
The best way to experience the full diversity of Chasselas is at the “Mondial du Chasselas” competition organized by the Association for the Promotion of Good Tastes (APC), which will be held in various locations from August to mid-September in 2022.