Climate
The magnificent climate of Geneva is influenced by the very near Jura and the pre-Alps, which distract the clouds from the west. These majestic microclimates offer favorable conditions for wine-cultivation and thus producing some marvelous variety of grapes. The less sensitive Lake of Geneva and the slopes near the spring frosts are well-exposed hillcrests which get swiftly warmer in the morning.
Average temperature:
January: 0.5°C / 33°F
July: 19°C / 66°F
Rainfall: 930 mm. /yr. (36 in.)
Relatively low for Switzerland
The annual hours of sun exposure:
1979 hrs in Satigny
This is quite high, approaching the levels in Valais.
Altitude: Geneva, 380 m. (1246 ft.);
Satigny, 470 m. (1540 ft)
Soils
Geneva's wine growers hold a great diversity of soil condition, from moraine to alluvial deposits left by its two rivers, the Rhone and the Arve. The Chasselas grapes transform these soils into a variety of unique and delicate bouquets. The soil consisting of clay content that goes up to 20-30%, which is neither too light nor too heavy.
Mandement/Right Bank
Up to 30% clay in a few spots, with or without limestone
Peissy, Chouilly, Bossy - silt from calcareous rocks with sand and clay
Entre Arve et Rhone
Glacial moraine
Lully, Peney - moderately high proportions of clay and limestone.
Avully- grimly soil with good filtration
Entre Arve et Lac- The calcareous, gravely soil gives Chasselas wines a touch of flintiness
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