Beverage
Chasselas
Chasselas (Fendant in Valais, Gutedel in Germany) is a delicate, low-aromatic white that showcases site more than grape perfume—pear, chalk, white flowers, and a soft, sometimes lightly spritzy texture. Swiss lakeside and German Markgräflerland bottles define the modern dry style; older traditions also used it as table grape. It pairs with lake fish, fondue, and light vegetable dishes where aggressive Sauvignon or oak would overwhelm. In cooking, add Chasselas late for gentle fruit and mineral lift; it is not a high-extract wine, so build body with butter, stock, or cream rather than hard reduction alone.
Also known as: Chasselas / Fendant, Gutedel, Chasselas
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Characteristics
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Grading systems
Grades are placed along a shared scale so systems can be compared side by side.
History
Chasselas became central to Swiss white wine culture around Lake Geneva and Valais.
Gutedel plantings expanded in Baden’s Markgräflerland as a light dry white.
Limited French Chasselas pockets and Swiss export culture kept the variety’s table-wine identity alive.