Ticino

Ticino in southern Switzerland benefits from Mediterranean influences and produces wines with remarkable character. The region’s most important grape variety by far is Merlot. A local speciality, Merlot Bianco, is vinified as a white wine from red Merlot grapes and surprises with elegance and delicate fruit.

Thanks to the many hours of sunshine, Switzerland’s southernmost canton is often called the country’s “sunny terrace”. The northern valleys have an alpine climate with granite and gneiss soils containing only small amounts of limestone. South of Monte Ceneri, however, the Mediterranean influence dominates, and the soils are fertile, consisting of volcanic rock and glacial moraine.

Merlot – the undisputed leader in Ticino

More than 1,100 hectares of vineyards are cultivated in Switzerland’s southernmost canton. Around 80% of this vineyard area is planted with Merlot. Introduced in the early 20th century, this Bordeaux variety ripens reliably at altitudes of up to 450 metres above sea level. In higher-lying vineyards, growers increasingly turn to Pinot Noir. Other noteworthy grapes for red wine include Bandola, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Among white wine varieties, Chardonnay leads the way, followed by Sauvignon Blanc and Chasselas.

Merlot Bianco is gaining popularity

Despite the predominance of red grape varieties, roughly one fifth of all wine produced in Ticino is white wine – largely thanks to the regional speciality Merlot Bianco. This elegant white wine, made from the red Merlot grape, is enjoying growing popularity.

Ticino is home to around 3,800 winemakers, yet only about 30 of them cultivate their vineyards professionally.

If you would like to discover the unique wines of Ticino from home, you can easily order online and explore our curated selection.