Ticino
the southern jewel
Everything about much-loved Ticino is different from the rest of Switzerland, a region the country sees as its southern jewel. The lakes and abrupt mountains are spectacular in this area, it is the only wine region on the south side of the Alps. The language is Italian and winter is shorter with a high level of sunshine—but at the same time it has a dramatic climate with more rainfall and wilderness areas just beyond the towns and cities. Vineyards sit on steep slopes and forests continually encroach.
For Lovers of Merlot
The most remarkable difference may be its grapes. A single grape, Merlot, continues to dominate, despite recent inroads by other varieties. Merlot is made in every manner possible from stainless steel versions drunk young, to beautiful wines aged in oak barrels and white versions plus that beloved drink of Italian-speakers, grappa. The grape is well-suited to the climate and soil, and in the 21st century a number of top winemakers have improved these wines thanks to innovative techniques.
fascinating geography
Ticino’s geography fascinates: it is the only part of Switzerland with a Mediterranean climate. The wilder Sopraceneri region north of Mount Ceneri, where gneiss is found everywhere, has fragmented vineyards grown mainly on terraced slopes. Pergolas can still be found here, to train grapes high above damp soil. The Sottoceneri region south of Mount Ceneri has soil that is calcareous, the slopes are gentler and vineyards stretch across large areas.
Invisible boundary
A curious geological fact: the Magadino Plain, in the center of Ticino, is the boundary between the European and African tectonic plates.
