News from the vineyard

July 21, 2020
By Justine Puaud

Lavaux, a stunning terraced vineyard

Mother Nature was generous with the region of Lavaux. Recognized as a world heritage site by UNESCO, the spectacular 830 hectares of terraced vineyards are facing the Léman lake (Lake Geneva) and offer exceptional weather conditions to make fantastic but still discreet wines. In fact, when you talk about the region of Lavaux, you mention the “3 suns”  which are the sky, the Léman lake and the terraces. This unique reflection of the water offers a very large variation of exposure, which give these wines their character.

Decades ago, the melting of the Rhône glacier created the unique terroir of Lavaux revealing different layers of soils which is quite similar of the one you find in Côte-Rotie. It is a diverse terroir composed of schist, granite and some puddingstone ( poudingue in French) which is a mix of cement and clay.

The main grape variety is Chasselas often called the “terroir sponge”. Huge differences can be noticed between plots that are right next to each other. It can be fruity, floral, earthy and delicate. In great vintages, after five or ten years, the wines develops aromas of honey, scents of walnut and a smooth texture which give the wines remarkable personality.

It is just the beginning of the véraison here. The Swiss will start picking the grapes around the first week of September.

In the village of Culy, facing the Lavaux vineyard and the Léman Lake.