Graubünden

Canton and wine-growing region in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, on the border with Austria, also sometimes known as the Grisons. The total vineyard area is only 384 hectares. Around 50 hectares of vineyards are located in the Mesolcina valley, and, although politically they are part of Graubünden, they are included in the Ticino wine-growing region, and the regulations of Ticino apply here. The climate is determined by lots of sunshine, as well as by the warm southerly wind blowing from the Rhine valley, which is known as the „Traubenkocher”, or „grape cooker”, as it encourages the formation of sugar in the grapes. The overwhelming majority (90%) of wines produced are categorised as „Bündner Rheinweine”. These are full-bodied, alcoholic red wines made from Pinot Noir (also known as Klevner or Chlävner in this region), which are generally matured in barriques. Other varieties planted include Müller-Thurgau and Chardonnay. The most important wine-producing communes are Chur (the regional capital, with a well-known estate owned by the bishop), Fläsch, Jenins, Maienfeld and Malans (with the traditional dessert wine Completer).