The Chasselas is the most important type in Geneva, with over 50%. The AOC laws were introduced in 1998.
The famous laws "Lois Gombettes" and other documents show the viniculture has been in Geneva for over 1500 years. The region is split into three areas, the Mandement on the right side of the Rhône, the area between Arve and Rhône, and the area between Geneva and the Lake of Geneva. Favorable climate, lakes and rivers, hat store heat and give it up again at night, and abundant soils, that reach from clay and limestone mixed cut terraces to light molasses make for ideal viniculture.
400 vintners work in the vineyards of Geneva. A small portion sells it's wines itself. Half of the vines are Chasselas. It is called Perlan and is more common here than anywhere else. The Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Aligoté are specialties. The red vines are led by Gamay, with 80%. It reminds of the Beaujolais, because of its extraordinary fruitiness. The Pinot Noir is presented here as a light and elegant wine.
The AOC laws were introduced in Geneva in 1998. After them, wines that are 1kg/m² and have more sugar may carry the label "AOC Premier Cru" while the others are called "AOC communale".
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