Despite the fact that Switzerland has 200 native grape varieties and a couple dozen wine appellations scattered all over the country, we don’t see much Swiss wine in the U.S. That’s because the Swiss are a thirsty lot and export less than 2% of their production. So we’re excited to discover Ludovic Zermatten’s Z-Vins project in the Valais appellation, East of Lake Geneva. Fendant is the local name for Chasselas, which is the most widely-planted white grape in Switzerland. Certified organic farming and fermentation and aging in stainless steel tanks. This is a generous yet still sleek alpine wine: crisp and apple-y with some herby citrus and leesy richness. Fondue of course, but also: grilled cheese sandwich (croque monsieur ou madame!), funky cheeses, or as a refreshment before or after skiing, hiking, or any other strenuous activity.
