Grape variety
Chasselas
The emblematic white grape of French-speaking Switzerland
On Helvitic you buy your Chasselas directly from the cellars that make them, delivered to your door (free shipping from CHF 150 per cellar) or picked up at the cellar. Chasselas is the great Swiss white grape: discreet and fine, it reflects its terroir like no other.
Called Fendant in the Valais, it expresses itself differently on every slope: mineral and tense in Lavaux, floral on La Côte, saline in Neuchâtel. It is the natural companion of fondue, raclette and lake fish — and one of the few great whites in the world equally enjoyed as an apéritif.
Frequently asked questions — Chasselas
What is the difference between Chasselas and Fendant?
None as far as the grape goes: Fendant is simply the Valais name for Chasselas, reserved for AOC Valais wines. Elsewhere — Vaud, Geneva, Neuchâtel — the wine carries the grape name or its appellation (Épesses, Féchy, Dézaley…).
What to pair with a Chasselas?
It is the fondue and raclette wine par excellence: its freshness balances the richness of the cheese. It also pairs perfectly with lake fish (perch, féra), shellfish, asparagus and the apéritif.
At what temperature should Chasselas be served?
Between 8 and 10 °C: cool enough to keep its liveliness, not so cold as to mask its delicate aromas. Take the bottle out of the fridge about ten minutes before serving.