Fendant

Buy the best Fendant wine from Valais

The people of Valais have truly created a masterpiece. Valais is a renowned wine region for Fendant. After they placed the red Dôle under protection in 1959, the white Fendant followed in 1966, making these wines the flagships of the Swiss wine world. Fendant is grown throughout the Valais, where it accounts for about 17% of the vineyard area. Every year, an average of 3.9 million kilos of Chasselas grapes are harvested in the Valais, which corresponds to an impressive 10.6 million litres of Fendant.

The history of Fendant AOC Valais

While the grape is called Chasselas in western Switzerland, in Valais it bears the proud name Fendant. The name Fendant is derived from the French word ‘fendre’, which means ‘to split’. This refers to the berries' tendency to split into the skin and flesh when gently pressed, without releasing any juice.

The vine, also known as Gutedel in Germany and Austria, has been mentioned in monastic records as ‘Fendant’ since the 12th century. The names ‘Gutedel’ and ‘Chasselas’ can be traced back to 1621 and 1654 respectively, although the relationship between the two terms ‘Fendant’ and ‘Chasselas’ was not established until 1715.

The Valais is an important wine-growing region for Fendant. In Switzerland, the first mentions of Fendant date from the early 18th century, initially in the canton of Vaud and later in Valais, where the name has survived to this day. The variety has been cultivated in Valais since 1850 and the name was officially protected in 1966. Today, Fendant is the second most important grape variety in Valais, surpassed only by Pinot Noir.

Fendant AOC Valais – a sensitive character

Fendant is an early-ripening, extremely delicate grape that requires great care both in the vineyard and in the wine cellar. Diego Mathier describes it aptly: ‘Chasselas is so subtle and elegant that it never satisfies.’ But it is precisely this subtlety that makes vinification challenging, regardless of the terroir.

The variety is very susceptible to disease in the vineyard and also requires the utmost precision in the cellar. A tiny mistake can spoil the entire wine. 

Despite a decline in the acreage of Chasselas vines in the Valais wine-growing region over the last 30 years, the variety is being planted again. Although Chasselas has lost its place as the most widely grown grape variety in Switzerland to Pinot Noir, its charm remains undiminished.

Character and aromas of Fendant AOC Valais

Fendant often has a delicate, pale yellow colour. The first aroma to unfold is a seductive bouquet of lime blossom, lemon, fresh grass and often mineral notes. On the palate, Chasselas delights with its lightness, freshness and fruity notes. It is this harmonious combination that makes it the perfect wine for many occasions. A Fendant AOC Valais is the perfect companion for a wedding, birth, funeral, contract signing or simply as an aperitif. In short, Fendant AOC Valais is always a good choice.

Thanks to its delicate citrus notes and elegantly integrated acidity, the Fendant's finesse makes it an excellent accompaniment to a wide variety of Valais cheese specialities such as raclette or cheese fondue, as well as dishes featuring freshwater fish and crustaceans.

The quality of Fendant

AOC Valais: your guarantee of quality

Fendant is a dry and smooth AOC-certified white wine that is grown exclusively in the Swiss canton of Valais. The Valais wine region is known for its high-quality Fendant.

It is considered a traditional grape variety in Valais, reserved for the designation Valais Grand Cru.

Flavour profile and aroma of Fendant AOC Valais

Fendant is highly sensitive to the terroir, the combination of soil, exposure and microclimate, and reflects this with subtle nuances. Tasting Fendant reveals its unique flavour and aroma. This fresh, honest and racy wine, with its fruity notes and delicately aggressive acidity, will put wine lovers in a good mood, and not just when enjoyed with raclette.

Wine keeping and storage

Recommendations for proper wine keeping and storage

A young Fendant is best enjoyed within three years at a temperature of 8 to 10 degrees Celsius. A wine cellar is an ideal place for storing Fendant. It should always be stored horizontally in a cool, dark place with constant temperature and humidity. Once the bottle has been opened, it should always be well closed and stored upright in the refrigerator and drunk within the next few days.

Buying tips for the best Fendant AOC Valais

When choosing Fendant wines, look for the AOC designation and the origin of the wine. Read ratings and reviews from other customers. Taste different Fendant wines to find the one that suits your taste. A visit to a reputable wine shop can also help you find the best Fendant for you. Or you can read the detailed wine descriptions in the online shop carefully before adding your favourite wine to the shopping cart.

Interesting facts about Fendant AOC Valais

Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about Fendant AOC Valais wines.

Which grape is in Fendant?

Chasselas is a white grape variety native to Switzerland and known as Fendant in Valais. This grape variety plays an important role in the wine world. Valais is an important wine-growing region for Chasselas, known as Fendant. Worldwide, there are about 35,000 hectares planted with Chasselas. In Switzerland itself, there are 4,073 hectares, of which 2,365 hectares are in the canton of Vaud and 1,072 hectares in the canton of Valais. Here, the variety proudly bears the name Fendant.

Is Fendant the same as Gutedel?

The Gutedel grape variety, known as Chasselas in Switzerland and as Fendant in Valais, has a long tradition. Once widespread throughout the world, the areas under cultivation of this fruity and tangy white wine variety are now in steep decline. Chasselas is still cultivated on a significant scale only in Switzerland and in the Markgräflerland region of Baden in Germany, with the Swiss Fendant varieties being particularly appreciated. Fendant requires great care and precision in the winemaking process.

What does Fendant taste like?

Fendant, Gutedel and Chasselas develop their characteristic flavour over a maturation period of one to three years. At this young age, they impress on the palate with a light sweetness, fresh fruit aromas and a pale yellow colour. These wines are particularly pleasant to drink and have a refreshing fruitiness that makes them so

What is Gutedel called in Switzerland?

Chasselas, as the Gutedel vine is called in Switzerland, is one of the oldest of all grape varieties.

Which is the most popular Swiss white wine?

While Chasselas is considered the most popular white wine in Switzerland, Sylvaner, Pinot Gris, Riesling-Silvaner and Completer are also well-known white grape varieties in Switzerland.

The Valais wine region is known for its Fendant.