The Vaud appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) is located in the heart of Switzerland, along the picturesque shores of Lake Geneva, where it benefits from an exceptional terroir and a temperate climate. Covering approximately 3,800 hectares of vineyards, it accounts for a quarter of Swiss wine production, offering a variety of elegant and expressive wines. The Vaud AOC is divided into six distinct regions: La Côte, Lavaux, Chablais, Côtes de l'Orbe, Bonvillars, and Vully, each contributing its own identity and complexity to the wines produced.
The region is especially renowned for its Chasselas, a quintessential Swiss grape variety known for its freshness, finesse, and delicate aromas of white flowers and stone fruits. However, the Vaud AOC also produces excellent red wines from grape varieties such as Pinot Noir and Gamay, offering wines with fruity and spicy notes.
In terms of cellar management, wines from the Vaud AOC are suitable for both immediate consumption and ageing for a few years. A thorough understanding of this appellation will enable wine enthusiasts to select bottles that will enrich any collection, reflecting the diversity and richness of Switzerland's wine heritage.
