Vaud [VOH]
One of Switzerland’s two main wine-producing cantons—the other is Valais. Vaud’s vineyards are located along the Rhône, starting north of Valais, and along the north shore of Lake Geneva. The three main growing areas are Chablais, just south of Lake Geneva on the Rhône; Lavaux, which is east of Lausanne on the lake’s north shore; and La Côte, which is on the lake’s north shore west of Lausanne. Vaud is primarily a white-wine area, and Chasselas (locally known as Dorin) is the dominant grape. The most popular red grapes are Gamay and Pinot Noir. These two grapes are often blended together in a wine called Salvagnin, which is similar in style (like a light-bodied, red Burgundy) to the Valais canton’s Dôle. Other varieties grown in this region include Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Riesling-Sylvaner (Müller-Thurgau). Vaud has implemented a rudimentary appellation system, which simply defines the region, the grape varieties, and the required sugar levels (see Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée for an explanation of the more extensive French system).
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.