Switzerland boasts 200 native grape varieties and a couple dozen wine appellations scattered all over the country. Yet we don’t see much Swiss wine in the U.S. - probably because the Swiss are a thirsty lot and export less than 2% of their production. Chasselas (also called Fendant in the Valais) is the country’s most widely-planted and classic white grape. Cave de la Côte is a family cooperative winery in the French-speaking Vaud canton. Importer Dylan Stine collaborates with them to produce good quality-price ratio wines of the sort that the Swiss drink every day - and in a great package that highlights their 'Swissness'. The Chasselas is light and crisp with a wisp of tart fruit and a refreshing prickle. Its acidity will cut through cheesy dishes like fondue and raclette, but the wine also serves as a perfect, easygoing aperitif.
