Definition: Ticino (vineyards in the canton of)

The fourth largest wine-producing canton in Switzerland (1,000 ha - 2002) after Valais, Vaud and Geneva, Ticino is a vineyard apart, with its almost Mediterranean climate. Merlot is establishing itself as the grape variety par excellence in this region, which is undergoing a qualitative revival. Imported in the first half of the century, it now accounts for 88% of the canton's production. With a beautiful garnet colour, it has aromas of black cherry and sometimes red berries. Reasonably tannic, it is rather supple, low in acidity and slightly spicy. In the north, the soils are granitic and completely free of limestone, while in the south, the soils are more alkaline. Monte Ceneri thus divides the canton into two distinct wine-growing regions: Bellinzona and its valleys in the north-east, and the Locarno-Ascona region in the north-west. To the south are Lugano and Malcantone, and further south still, Mendrisio and Chiasso. Apart from Merlot, Ticino also produces indigenous wines such as Bondola and Nostrano, the ultimate 'grotto wine'.