Geneva Wines, Switzerland - Our Selection
The Geneva region, at the western end of Lake Geneva adjacent to the French border, produces a wide range of different grape types and wines, whose styles vary considerably throughout the Canton, given the variety of soil types. Broadly speaking, they are at their most full-bodied and strongest in the Mandement district to the west of the city, becoming softer and lighter moving anticlockwise around the end of the lake.Geneva whites include wines made from the principal indigenous white grape, the Chasselas, but include also international varieties such as Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier (which seems to excel here), and Chardonnay.
Many better Swiss reds come from the Geneva area; good Swiss Gamays are not unlike some Beaujolais - aromatic, full-bodied, smooth, with a little spiciness. Good examples of Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon are also found, along with heavier wines from exciting Swiss varieties such as Gamaret and Garanoir, and international varieties Syrah and Zinfandel.
There are also some truly excellent blends, both red and white, which are well worth trying. Geneva wines are, by Swiss standards, good value, as the flatter land allows mechanisation of some tasks which have to be performed manually elsewhere in Switzerland, where the terrain is steeper.
Vines near Peissy, looking north top the backdrop of the Jura mountains over the border in France
Signpost near Satigny
Vines near Peissy, looking south
Pinot Blanc de Chouilly 2007 Domaine des Abeilles d'Or Chouilly, Geneva, Switzerland SOLD OUT Ref: 4100065
Last few bottles of the 2007 vintage of this clear and pure Pinot Blanc Was: £15.90 (Including VAT at 20%)
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Douceur d'Automne 2008 Vin Doux Naturel AOC Genève 75cl Domaine des Abeilles d'Or Chouilly, Geneva, Switzerland SOLD OUT Ref: 4100085
A dessert wine made from Semillon and Sauvignon using cryo-extraction - where the grapes are artificially frozen to -7°C and then pressed. This is, in effect, a simulated Eiswein. The wine is a pale yellow to yellow-orange and has soft aromas of citrus on the nose, and lively yet gentle sweet fruit on the palate, undepinned by a soft minerality. Serve around 8°C - goes wonderfully with foie gras, Roquefort cheese and chocolate desserts. Keeps to to 10 years if cellared correctly. Was: £33.00 (Including VAT at 20%)
Roger Burgdorfer, Domaine du Paradis, Satigny
One of the most fascinating producers in the Geneva region, the Domaine has 40 hectares of vines on sloping hills near the village of Satigny.
The estate is owned by Roger and Rosette Burgdorfer, who look after the vineyards, whilst oenologue Didier Cornut, who has worked with the Burgdorfers since 1991, is in charge of winemaking. The estate philosophy is to limit the use of chemicals in both the farming and winemaking. Roger and Didier share a wacky sense of humour, evidenced by their tasting room and wine labels, which are adorned with countless devils and angels in a "heaven and hell" theme. Paradis produces a wide range of wines from about 20 different grape varietals, and makes both unblended and blended wines. Of particular note are the wines bearing the "Pont des Soupirs" (Bridge of sighs) name - a white Viognier and the stunning red blend mentioned earlier - Pont des Soupirs Rouge is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Gamaret - and some of the single varietals such as the Syrah, and unusually for Switzerland a Zinfandel - undoubtedly influenced by Didier having spent spent several years in California working as an oenologue.
The estate is owned by Roger and Rosette Burgdorfer, who look after the vineyards, whilst oenologue Didier Cornut, who has worked with the Burgdorfers since 1991, is in charge of winemaking. The estate philosophy is to limit the use of chemicals in both the farming and winemaking. Roger and Didier share a wacky sense of humour, evidenced by their tasting room and wine labels, which are adorned with countless devils and angels in a "heaven and hell" theme. Paradis produces a wide range of wines from about 20 different grape varietals, and makes both unblended and blended wines. Of particular note are the wines bearing the "Pont des Soupirs" (Bridge of sighs) name - a white Viognier and the stunning red blend mentioned earlier - Pont des Soupirs Rouge is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Gamaret - and some of the single varietals such as the Syrah, and unusually for Switzerland a Zinfandel - undoubtedly influenced by Didier having spent spent several years in California working as an oenologue.
Pont des Soupirs Rouge 2007 Roger Burgdorfer Domaine du Paradis Satigny, Geneva SOLD OUT
Ref: 4100075For me the star wine of the entire Domaine du Paradis range - this stunning red is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Gamaret. It's a vin de garde requiring 5 to 8 years before it peaks - although it is still really quite approachable in it's youth. A dark pastel red, on the nose it's not unlike a decent Bordeaux, with aromas of pepper, licorice, vanilla, cedar, and violets. On the palate it's substantial, with masses of fruit, vanilla. The ideal wine for red meats, game and duck. In new livery for the 2007 vintage.
New vintage coming this autumn
In stock - normally despatched within one working day.
Was: £24.00 (Including VAT at 20%)
