Gutedel

Gutedel is a dry, light-bodied white best known from Germany and Switzerland, where it’s called Chasselas. Expect green apple, pear and lemon with delicate floral notes and a fresh mineral edge. Subtle, clean and easy-drinking, it’s brilliant with grilled fish, prawns, salads, roast chicken, asparagus and mild cheese.

Taste:

Light, fresh and quietly doing its thing.

Gutedel is typically dry and light-bodied, with gentle acidity and delicate flavours of green apple, pear and lemon. You may also find white flowers, fresh herbs and subtle mineral or nutty notes.

This isn't usually an intensely fruity or aromatic wine. Much of Gutedel's appeal comes from its subtlety and its ability to reflect where it was grown, particularly in more serious examples.

The overall effect is clean, soft and refreshingly understated.

Not every white needs to smell like a tropical fruit aisle from three tables away.

Food Pairings:

Gutedel's delicate character works best with lighter food that lets the wine stay involved.

For seafood, try prawns, grilled fish, sea bass, cod, trout or seafood salad, particularly with lemon, butter or fresh herbs.

It also works beautifully with roast chicken, grilled chicken and lighter pork dishes.

Vegetables are another great match. Try asparagus, grilled courgette, green beans, fresh salads, roasted vegetables or vegetable tarts.

Gutedel is particularly good with mild cheeses, including Gruyère, Emmental, Brie and other creamy or nutty styles. It's also a natural match for cheese fondue and raclette, particularly when drinking Swiss Chasselas.

For a lighter meal, try goat's cheese salad or simple herb-based pasta dishes.

Similar Wines:

If you enjoy Gutedel, Silvaner is a great next move for another subtle white with green fruit, herbs and a mineral edge.

Pinot Blanc offers similarly gentle apple, pear and citrus flavours, while Müller-Thurgau brings a little more fruit and aromatic character.

Elbling is also worth exploring if light, crisp and understated whites are becoming your thing.

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More About Gutedel:

Gutedel is the German name for the ancient grape variety better known internationally as Chasselas.

In Germany, it's particularly associated with the Markgräflerland area of Baden, close to the borders with France and Switzerland.

Cross into Switzerland and Chasselas becomes one of the country's most important white grapes, particularly in regions such as Vaud and Valais. Swiss versions are often prized for their ability to reflect differences in soil and vineyard location.

The grape also has a remarkably long history and has accumulated plenty of names as it travelled around Europe.

Gutedel in Germany. Chasselas in Switzerland.

Two names is practically restrained at this point.