Chardonne

Wine from Chardonne comes out of Lavaux, Switzerland, where it sits as a sub-region.

Chasselas leads the plantings, with Merlot and Gamay alongside it.

Vines root into gravel and limestone.

The climate is maritime/oceanic, running temperate.

The vineyards themselves read as hills, lakeside and steep sites.

White wine, red wine and rosé wine is what the region is known for, and in the glass it shows smooth and approachable, fruity characteristics with moderate tannins, crisp and refreshing and light with berry notes.

Quality is codified by the Premier Grand Cru, which is worth reading off the label.

Producers worth knowing include Christelle Conne, Domaine Neyroud-Fonjallaz and Obrist.

Pour them alongside seafood, poultry, cheese and vegetable dishes.

Serve at 10 to 12°C.

Best drunk young.

In the glass.

Red: Smooth and approachable, Fruity characteristics with moderate tannins.

Rosé: Crisp and refreshing, Light with berry notes.

Grapes planted here.

Classifications.

• Premier Grand Cru

Producers worth knowing.

Bottles to look for.

• Alain Neyroud et Gianni Bernasconi Chardonne Pinot Blanc, Vaud, Switzerland
• Association Vinicole de Corseaux Chardonne Baiser du Soleil Rose, Vaud, Switzerland
• Association Vinicole de Corseaux Chardonne Chardonneret, Vaud, Switzerland
• Association Vinicole de Corseaux Chardonne Clos de Chatonneyre, Vaud, Switzerland
• Association Vinicole de Corseaux Chardonne Le Corsalin, Vaud, Switzerland
• Christelle Conne - Cave Champ de Clos Chardonne Chardonnay, Vaud, Switzerland
• Christelle Conne - Cave Champ de Clos Chardonne Le Semillant Noir, Vaud, Switzerland
• Christelle Conne - Cave Champ de Clos Chardonne Vignes de Leurs Excellences de Berne, Vaud, Switzerland

At the table.

• Seafood
• Poultry
• Cheese
• Vegetable dishes

Serving and cellaring.

• Serve at 10 to 12°C.
• Best drunk young.

Nearby regions.

Chardonne: common questions

More from here: every wine region in Switzerland, or the wider Lavaux guide.