Chasselas is a delicate, refreshing white grape most famously grown around Lake Geneva in Switzerland, where it is the country’s signature variety. Known locally as Fendant in Valais and widely planted in Vaud, it is also found in Alsace, Germany, and small plantings in England. Thought to date back to Roman times, Chasselas is celebrated for its subtle elegance and food-friendly style.
In the glass, Chasselas produces light-bodied wines with gentle acidity and flavours of pear, apple, white peach, and floral notes, often underpinned by a faint minerality. While not an overtly aromatic grape, its charm lies in its restraint and the way it reflects terroir, particularly alpine soils. Some examples can also show nutty or honeyed notes with age.
For UK drinkers, Chasselas is a perfect aperitif wine and pairs effortlessly with fondue, fish, charcuterie, and soft cheeses—a crisp, subtle companion for lighter dishes.
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