Definition: Mondial du Chasselas - Gutedel - Fendant

Chasselas will have its own international competition!

Chasselas, Fendant or Gutedel: three names for the same grape variety and the same destiny, that of joining the pantheon of grape varieties with their own international competition. In 2012, French-speaking Switzerland, its land of origin, and Aigle, its "embassy", will host this grand event dedicated to a white wine that is now unlike any other.

On Wednesday 22 June 2011, the committee of the Association for the Promotion of Chasselas and its president Frédéric Borloz welcomed the press to the Château d'Aigle to present their major project:

The organisation of the first Mondial du Chasselas in 2012.

This competition will bring together all the countries that produce this grape variety, as it is a global competition.

The competition will take place every year in Switzerland, with tasting by an international jury and the announcement of the results in the form of an event, alternating between Switzerland, in Aigle, and Germany the following year, i.e. the two largest producers of this grape variety.

Switzerland approximately 5,000 ha

Germany approx. 3,000 ha

France approx. 1,000 ha vinified and 10,000 ha table grapes (Chasselas de Moissac)

New Zealand approx. 250 ha.

"We are at the heart of a region that has been home to Chasselas since time immemorial. This idea had been germinating in our minds for many years, and it came to fruition with the creation of our association at the end of 2010," emphasises the president. The organising committee decided to use this international competition as a magnificent showcase for this grape variety: "It's our speciality! As delicious and flavourful as it is subtle, it deserves more recognition," says Paul Baumann, oenologist and member of the committee.

Taking up the torch from the Gutedel Cup – an international competition created in 1996 and organised in 2011 in the German town of Badenweiler – the Mondial du Chasselas will nevertheless be different: "We will be based on the standards set by the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), which cover all the framework conditions necessary for organising international competitions," comments Alain Emery, winemaker and oenologist in Aigle and responsible for the technical aspects of the competition on its committee.

The aim will be to promote this grape variety, improve its quality and develop its cultivation. It is true that its brand image is not promoted and, above all, it is confused abroad with table grapes alone, which clearly lowers its status as a fine wine.

Between now and 6 and 7 July 2012, when the results will be announced, there is still a long way to go, but the energy and motivation are there. "Sometimes it's the things closest to us that we know the least about! This competition is an excellent way to change that!" concludes Frédéric Borloz.

The World Chasselas Conservatory andthe Association for the Promotion of Chasselas are two separate organisations, the former taking a more scientific approach to the observation and conservation of the different varieties of the grape. However, as their objectives ultimately converge, there are plans to seek a number of synergies.

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