SWISS WINE PAGE

East Switzerland

The wine-growing area of East Switzerland (or the German part of Switzerland) with 2,300 ha of land is smaller than that of the Valais, although it comprises no less than 17 cantons from Basel to the Grisons. On the one hand, East Switzerland forms a unity, on the other hand it provides great variety in its climate, in the condition of its soil and in the mentality of its inhabitants. The height of the wine-growing areas varies between 320 and 600 m above sea-level. The average rainfall per year amounts to 800 to 1,300 mm; and the vines may be exposed to frost at times. In the Jura area the soil consists of limestone, in Central Switzerland of gneiss and in the East of slate and moraine.

The climate north of the Alps does not permit vines that ripen late in the year. The majority of the grapes are red, mostly Blauburgunder and Riesling-Sylvaner. Other vines cultivated are Pinot Gris (Tokayer), Pinot Banc, Gewürztraminer, Freisamer, Kerner, Elbling, Chasselas, Completer, Gamaret and Granoir.

50% of the wine is produced by approximately 20 large wine-cellars , 30% by the cooperatives, and 20% by the wine-growers.