Tessin

Tessin is the southernmost canton of Switzerland. Thanks to its pleasant climate and Switzerland’s warmest summer temperatures, it is well-suited for viticulture. The Bordeaux vine Merlot is cultivated across more than 80 percent of the nine cantonal districts of Bellinzona, Blenio, Leventina, Locarno, Mendrision, Riviera, Vallamaggia and Mesolcina. Due to the Alpine topography, the winegrowing areas are scattered and consist of small parcels on slopes with a subsurface of granite covered in a thin layer of earth. Nowhere in Switzerland is the concentration of high-quality vintners and wines so high, so much so that in 1997 a system similar to the Italian DOC was introduced. The full, aromatic and storable red wines are among Switzerland’s best and enjoy an excellent international reputation.