Definition: Fendant

Name of the grape variety in Valais used to produce the wine of the same name. Fendant is simply a local synonym for Chasselas, the main white grape variety in Switzerland. By using the term "Fendant" on the label, Valais producers have found a way to inform consumers about the origin of the wine, which is rarely the case in other wine-producing cantons. In Valais, it was named Fendant because its berries, when pressed between the thumb and forefinger, split open when ripe. See Chasselas.