Chablais

Chablais is one of four wine growing regions in Vaud on the eastern half of Lake Geneva in the west of Switzerland. The other regions are Lavaux, La Côte and Côtes de l’Orbe, each of which is subdivided into smaller, village-level appellations. Soil types in Chablais are generally free-draining which encourage strong vine root systems. Predominantly a white wine region, the main varietal grown in Chablais is Chasselas (known locally as Dorin). Outside of Switzerland, Chasselas is not widely known as a varietal because it is not usually listed on the label, just its AOC. Chasselas varies widely in style across the whole region of Vaud, from very light to full-bodied. La Côte produces the lightest Chasselas, while Chablais produces the most mineral examples and Lavaux the most complex. Pinot Noir and Gamay are the red grape varieties grown in Chablais, however Chasselas plantings more than double those of the red varieties. There is also a small quantity of Pinot Gris grown in the area, and about half as much given over to Pinot Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc.