Wine producers in Ticino by Pamela Pintus
The Ticino region offers best climatic conditions for producing Merlot grape, which was brought from France trying to renew the crops destroyed by the phylloxera infection, that affected Europe in the second half of the nineteenth century. One variety was found after a crossing and selection series, which developed over the years and is now occupying 80% (about 878 hectares) of the Ticino wine area. The Monte Ceneri divides the two largest Ticino wine zones: Sottoceneri and Sopraceneri, each of which has particular climatic and terroir characteristics. Cultivations are taking place mainly on steep terrain called “Ronchi”, which can have a 30% slope; here the processing is somewhat complicated and expensive, as you can easily guess.
Nonetheless, the viticulture on these terraces has helped to preserve and protect the soil from erosion and has carried out essential prevention and protection. Although Merlot represents the highest percentage of grape in Ticino, other species are cultivated with great success in some other areas, such as Pinot Noir, which ripens earlier, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bondola and Gamaret which combine to create excellent Red wines. The most common white grapes are instead Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Riesling and Pinot Bianco. There are 3’000 Ticino grape producers,15 wineries and 61 small independent winemakers who are producing only up to 5’000 bottles a year, but who, nevertheless, have made this region a reference point for Swiss wine production, which is conquering the market also worldwide.
TicinoWine www.ticinowine.ch is the association that is involved in promoting and protecting the image of Ticino wine since 1984. 250 producers are part of it that can count on the 3’000 winegrowers scattered throughout the territory. Thanks to this association, the Ticino labels have gone beyond their borders and joint the international market. There are events and exhibitions of the sector as well as the “Ticinowine Festival” and “Cantine Aperte” to make it known to the public. For anyone interested in the subject, there is a description of the leading & lesser-known Ticino producers who offer excellent wine.
Main wine producers in Ticino
Tamborini Vine, Lamone
They have been producing wines for over 75 years, involving three generations who have dedicated their lives to this sector, to increasingly seek quality and uniqueness of the wines of the area. There are 27 hectares of vines and 750 products, including wines, beers and spirits. The company is located in Lamone, north of Lugano. The territory is in a natural amphitheater created by the San Zeno hill, that also offers a particular microclimate. Among the top wines, we cannot fail to mention the latest arrival, Osè d’Hiver, a rosé wine reserve 2018, created from Merlot and aged in “Barriques” for 15 months. For whites’ lovers, there is the award-winning SanZeno Mosaico born from the skilful fusion of Chardonnay, Merlot and Sauvignon and the Vivi from the Valentina Tamborini collection. Amid the most representative reds, however, there is Sasso Chierico Rosso, Sasso Chierico Riserva and Terre Nobili, a Merlot born from the Ticino wine tradition. Besides hosting, tastings and farm guides, the company is also making online sales. Further information is available on the website: tamborinivini.ch
Vine Delea, Losone
The company was founded in 1983 to enhance the Ticino grapes and creating wines of superior quality. To achieve this goal, Delea can count on about 200 small farmers, 20 hectares and an annual production of 600’000 bottles. Among the leading labels are Merlot Carato, Chiar di Luna, Carato Bianco and Spumanti, most of them have received prestigious awards and recognitions such as Carato Riserva Merlot Ticino Doc awarded with Tre Bicchieri dal Gambero Rosso. Amidst the whites are Sauvignon Ticino, Apocalypse, Marengo or Prima Goccia, to name a few. A tour of the Delea winery is a beautiful experience. Everything has been designed to involve guests and guide them through the oldest Ticino wine traditions. The guided tour lasts 2 hours and includes a tasting. The company is in Losone, not far from Lake Maggiore and at the foot of the Locarno hills. To buy wines online & further information: www.delea.ch
Terreni della Maggia, Ascona
The winery is based in Ascona, and its products are from the precious crops of Maggia-Delta, on Lake Maggiore, where there are fertile soils and a favorable microclimate for large and valuable production. Since 1948, on about 11 hectares of land, Chardonnay, Merlot and Kerner have been harvested for producing quality wines. Also, over the years, the owners have created a real peace oasis in nature dedicated to hospitality thanks to the best hotels and restaurants where you can taste the specialties of this land. Among the Elegant range wines, there are Barbarossa, Melodia and Giubileo born to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the winery and, subsequently, the 90th anniversary. Between the Prestigious, however, you can consider Castagneto, Querceto and Ascona Riserva, for true connoisseurs. For further information: www.terreniallamaggia.ch
Brivio di Gialdi Vine, Mendrisio
The company was born in the eighties thanks to a wines range made with the support of Sottoceneri winemakers, thus specializing in the wine production from Southern Ticino. The cellars are currently in Bodio and Mendrisio; the wine cellar for tastings is also here. The ancient cellars carved into the rock of Monte Generoso house the “Barriques” for ageing wines; currently, the company is producing about 30 labels. White wines include Prà Bianco, Contrada and Ronco Bain, while the most famous reds, mainly Merlot, are Riflessi d’Epoca, Quattromani and Palatinum. For fans, there are also excellent spirits and niche specialties. For information & orders: www.brivio.ch
Small wine producers in Ticino
Cantine Riva Morcote, Melide
They are in Melide and offer the opportunity to taste small productions of local wines mainly Merlot and to a lesser extent Chardonnay. Among the wines are Arrosè, Trevano Castle, 16 Lune and Stregato Bianco. For information & orders: www.cantinerivamorcote.ch
Fattoria Moncucchetto, Lugano
The Lucchetti Family has owned the Fattoria Moncucchetto since 1919. In 2009 that the winery has been renewed entirely, thanks to the project of the Ticino’s great architect Mario Botta who combines old and new, giving a new impetus to the farm. Among the most representative red wines, there is Moncucchetto, Moncucchetto Riserva d’Oro and Collina d’Oro, while among the whites Murchì and Lacrima d’Oro. It is worth spending a day on this farm, admiring the surrounding landscape and the architecture as well as visiting the restaurant or cellar for tastings. For information: moncucchetto.ch
Azienda Agricola Arcarubra, Gudo
They started their activity with two barricaded wines made from Gudo grapes in 2005. The production is done by following ancient traditions from harvest to bottling. The products are few but of high-quality. L’Arca Rubra, Note di Notte and Primo Segno are the red wines marketed by the cellar. Among the white wines, there are l’Arca Chiara as well as some spirits. The company is located in Montagnola: www.arcarubra.ch
Cantina Kopp von der Crone Visini, Barbengo
It was born in 2006 from the merger of two wineries; it is located south of Lugano in Barbengo and has 7 hectares which are divided into three Ticino areas. The primary production is Merlot while among the white grapes there are also Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc and Kerner. Red wines are produced including Tinello, Scala, Irto and Balin, white wines such as Matto and Meridio, grappa and nocino. All products are also available online: www.cantinabarbengo.ch.
Fawino, Mendrisio
These wines represent the Mendrisio area; the grapes are growing near Monte Generoso and Monte San Giorgio where the soils are rich of minerality. The cellars can be visited at any time for product tastings. There are 6 wine sorts: Giullare, Cantastorie, Meride, Musa, Elsbeth, and Santimbanco sparkling wine. Most of them have obtained various prestigious awards over the years. For reservations and orders: www.fawino.ch
Robin Garzoli, Azienda Vitivinicola, Maggia
The company has 4 hectares in Valmaggia where the wine is produced according to most ancient traditions. The company has obtained various approvals even if a small one. Also, thanks to a series of events organized by the owners, to bring out the excellent territory. About 90% of the production comes from Merlot such as Amphora, Acqua Reale Riserva, Maggia Rosso and Maggia Bianco. More information is available on www.rombolau.ch
Azienda Mondò, Bellinzona-Sementina
This family business is located between Bellinzona and Locarno and has about 7 hectares of vineyards, mostly Merlot, but also Bondola and native vines. The particular climatic conditions and the ancient production techniques have helped to create high-quality wines that have even achieved various awards. From Biancomerlot, to Rosato di Bondola, from Iris to Russdalpunt, these wines have been able to carve out an essential slice of the market thanks to the e.commerce site. Here are the contacts: www.aziendamondo.ch
Ralph Theiler, Theilervini SA, Bosco Luganese
The company is in Cademario and is managing 4 hectares scattered throughout the territory. In addition to the wine production, they also do courses, winemaking for third parties, tours, and tastings to bring enthusiasts closer to the wine world. Among the top products, there are premium labels such as Pinot Nero Doc, Merlot Ticino Doc Barrique, Cuvée Bianco Doc and Spumante Rosato Brut. All contacts here: www.theilervini.ch
I hope you enjoyed my suggestions on wine producers in Ticino. All you have to do is to choose which wine best suits your taste.
Cheers!
Pamy Pintus
