Cépage Sorcier : Le Galotta c'est quoi ?

September 3, 2025

Where does it come from?

Galotta was created in 1981 in Pully, at the Caudoz Viticulture Research Center, which is part of Agroscope. It was approved in 1990.

It is the child of Gamay and Ancel Lotta (a very colorful and intense grape variety, native to Emilia-Romagna in northern Italy). The idea was to obtain a grape variety similar to Gamay, but richer in color.

Where is it located?

Only in Switzerland!

What does it give to the vine?

Galotta ripens early, at the same time as its Gamay parent. It is highly resistant to gray mold (the kind that turns your oranges or strawberries all powdery and gray).

What kind of wines does it produce?

Galotta produces very colorful, tannic, intense, and powerful wines with notes of black and red berries and floral notes. While it was initially highly prized in blends to intensify color and tannins, it is now increasingly found on its own. A great way to discover its character in all its diversity!

It can be made in a fine, fresh and fruity profile, as here.→ Henri Galotta
The wood suits it well, and coats its powerful tannins with a little sweetness and spice, like here. → La Licorne Galotta

Its power and depth allow it to be transformed into a Swiss Port, as here. → Galotta Vintage Vin doux naturel