by Alexandre Truffer, ©RomanDuVin.ch 2007 

As there are runner-up wines, there are also runner-up vines. The Aligoté belongs to this group. Originally from Bourgogne, it has given way, even in its birth place, to the noble Chardonnay. Light and slightly acidic, it doesn't have the structure to be compared to its prestigious compatriot. So it has been relegated to the rank of an apéritif wine. It assumes this rank well, especially because it has won its nobility as a kir.

In Switzerland, a wine-growing canton decided to give it a chance before the blanc-cassis became popular. Geneva has been cultivating the Aligoté for more than a year and has made it one of its most current specialties. More aromatic than the Chasselas, it makes charming wines that don't need the perfect fruit in order to be enjoyable.

Related Articles (in french):
Second par nature (Second by Nature) (read more in french) 
Glorifié par un Don Camillo bourguignon (Glorified by Burgundian Don Camillo) (read more in french)  
Information pratiques (Useful Information) (read more in french)

by Alexandre Truffer, ©RomanDuVin.ch 2006

Created in 1970, the Gamaret never stopped trying to escape its destiny. It eventually succeeded by devoting its first years to a less than noble role, by imposing itself as the standard-bearer for the revival of Swiss red wines.

Geneva adopted this vine fifteen years ago in order to propel it to the rank of speciality. Vaud began to pay close attention to its charms. Neuchâtel pushed legislation to grant it a place next to the Pinot Noir. All of French-speaking Switzerland, with the exception of Valais which is rediscovering its ancestral treasures, enjoys it.

Research of quantity (read more in french)
Discovery of quality (read more in french)
Practical information (read more in french)

Although not known for its wine, Geneva’s winegrowing region is one of the most picturesque in the world. To discover the history of winegrowing in Geneva, follow the 7 km trail through Dardagny. The signposted itinerary, created by the winemaker Stéphane Gros, presents grape varieties and wild life. All kinds of encounters are also possible: birds of prey, fox, wild boars and many other species. A walk worth to conclude with a tasting.

Contact and informations:

by Alexandre Truffer, ©RomanDuVin.ch 2006

An imposing agricultural and forest estate spreads itself out some distance from the Cointrin international airport. The Château des Bois, owned by the same family for almost 400 years, stands at its center.

Among the hundreds of hectares that the property occupies, four are dedicated to vine cultivation. The château has produced its own wine for ten years and thus is one of the Republic's, and the Canton of Geneva's, rare wine-growing châteaux.

The Turrettin estate (read more in french)
A hundred year old estate's new cellar (read more in french)
Wines of the Château des Bois: 400 years of tradition (read more in french)