Garanoir

Summary

Garanoir is a Swiss red variety, sibling of Gamaret, producing fruitier, softer, earlier-drinking wines than its more structured twin. Created by Agroscope in Switzerland in 1970 and released in 1991, Garanoir shares Gamaret’s parentage (Gamay × Reichensteiner) but expresses itself with a more approachable, fruit-forward personality. With approximately 300 hectares planted almost exclusively in Switzerland, Garanoir offers Swiss winemakers a reliable option for producing accessible red wines with moderate disease tolerance and good color. While Gamaret is typically aged and structured, Garanoir is the fresh, early-drinking alternative.

Identity

VIVC: Entry #17960
Berry Color: NOIR
Type: Vitis vinifera crossing (disease-tolerant, not full PIWI)

Breeding Number: RAC 5271 (Changins)

Creator: Agroscope Changins-Wädenswil (ACW), Switzerland
Year: 1970 (crossing); 1991 (commercial release)

Genetic Origin

Parentage: Gamay × Reichensteiner

Breaking down the parentage:

Gamay: Beaujolais variety; fruity, light red wine
Reichensteiner: German crossing with some disease tolerance

Sibling: Gamaret (same cross, different selection)

Breeding Goal: Create quality red varieties suited to Swiss climate with improved disease tolerance

Result: Garanoir selected for fruit character; Gamaret for structure

The Garanoir-Gamaret Twins

The two varieties were selected from the same cross:

Characteristic	Garanoir	Gamaret
Tannins	Soft	Firm
Fruit	Forward, juicy	Restrained, dark
Structure	Light-medium	Medium-full
Aging	2-5 years	5-15 years
Style	Early drinking	Age-worthy
Role	Fruity component	Structure provider

Blending: Often blended together for balance

Distribution

Total Global Plantings: ~300 hectares

Region	Hectares	Notes
Valais (Switzerland)	~150	Primary region
Vaud (Switzerland)	~80	Important
Geneva (Switzerland)	~50	Growing
Other Switzerland	~20	Various cantons

Geographic Focus: Almost exclusively Swiss; minimal international interest

Viticulture

Growth Characteristics

Vigor: Medium
Growth Habit: Semi-erect
Budbreak: Medium
Flowering: Mid-season
Véraison: Medium
Harvest: Medium-late (October in Switzerland)

Disease Tolerance

Disease	Tolerance Level	Notes
Downy Mildew	MODERATE	Better than Gamay
Powdery Mildew	MODERATE	Decent tolerance
Botrytis (Grey Rot)	MODERATE-GOOD	Good resistance
Esca	Standard	No special resistance

Note: Disease-tolerant, not fully resistant like modern PIWI varieties

Climate Requirements

Ideal Climate: Cool continental (Swiss)
Heat Summation: 1,200-1,500 GDD (base 10°C)
Altitude: Performs well at 400-600m
Frost: Moderate tolerance

Soil Preferences

Adaptable: Swiss vineyard soils
Ideal: Well-drained, moderate fertility
Traditional Sites: Valais slopes, Lake Geneva region

Viticultural Management

Training: Guyot or cordon
Pruning: Moderate bud load
Yield Control: 8-10 tonnes/ha for quality
Spray Program: Reduced vs. traditional varieties
Harvest: Can be earlier than Gamaret

Enology

Must Parameters at Harvest

Parameter	Typical Range	Notes
Brix	20-23°	Moderate
pH	3.3-3.6	Moderate
Titratable Acidity	5.5-7.0 g/L	Moderate
YAN	180-250 mg/L	Generally adequate

Phenolic Profile

Anthocyanins: Good (decent color)
Total Tannins: LOW to moderate (soft, approachable)
Character: Fruit-driven rather than tannic

Fermentation

Yeast Selection: Fruity, aromatic yeasts
Temperature: 22-26°C (preserve fruit)
Duration: 7-12 days
Maceration: SHORT (5-10 days)—preserve softness
Cap Management: Gentle; avoid over-extraction

Wine Style

Garanoir is made in a single primary style:

Fruity, approachable, early-drinking
Light to medium body
Soft tannins
Fresh, primary fruit character

Malolactic Fermentation

Standard: Complete MLF
Effect: Softens wine further
Result: Round, approachable

Oak Treatment

Standard: Little to none
Philosophy: Preserve fruit character
If Used: Neutral, large oak only

Blending

Garanoir is frequently blended:

With Gamaret: Balance fruit and structure
With Pinot Noir: Add color and fruit
In Assemblages: Swiss “Dôle” style blends

Sensory Profile

Visual

Intensity: Medium
Hue: Ruby
Character: Bright, youthful

Aromatic Profile

Category	Descriptors
Red Fruit	CHERRY (dominant), raspberry, strawberry
Dark Fruit	Subtle plum
Floral	Violet hints
Spice	Minimal
Other	Fresh, primary

Palate

Body: Light to medium
Acidity: Medium
Tannins: SOFT (key characteristic)
Alcohol: Moderate (12-13%)
Finish: Fruity, clean, short-medium

Winemaker Considerations

Challenges

Limited Character: Can be simple
Structure: Lacks backbone for aging
Identity: Often blended, not solo star
Market: Primarily Swiss interest
Recognition: Overshadowed by Gamaret

Opportunities

Accessibility: Consumer-friendly wines
Blending Partner: Complements structured varieties
Quick Turnaround: Early release possible
Disease Tolerance: Reduced spray program
Swiss Market: Strong domestic demand

Winemaking Tips

Short maceration preserves softness
Avoid oak—masks fruit
Early bottling maintains freshness
Blend with Gamaret for complexity
Target early release (spring after harvest)

Swiss Wine Context

Position in Swiss Viticulture

Garanoir provides the fruity, approachable wines
Gamaret provides the structured, age-worthy wines
Together they offer complete red wine portfolio

Typical Swiss Uses

Varietal Garanoir: Fruity, everyday red
Gamaret-Garanoir Blend: Balanced Swiss red
Multi-variety Assemblage: Part of Swiss blends

Food Pairing

Garanoir’s soft tannins and fresh fruit suit:

Charcuterie
Light pasta dishes
Roast chicken
Mild cheeses
Picnic foods
Aperitivo

Characteristic	Garanoir	Gamaret	Gamay
Tannins	Soft	Firm	Low
Body	Light-Medium	Medium-Full	Light
Aging	2-5 years	5-15 years	2-5 years
Character	Fruity	Structured	Fruity
Color	Medium	Deep	Pale-Medium

Sources

Robinson, J., Harding, J., & Vouillamoz, J. (2012). Wine Grapes. Ecco/HarperCollins. Publisher Link
VIVC Database - Vitis International Variety Catalogue
Agroscope Research Station (Switzerland)
Swiss Wine Promotion
Spring, J.L., et al. (2007). New Swiss grape varieties. Revue Suisse de Viticulture 39(3). Link

Last Updated: January 13, 2026