Savoie

• Jacquère: the quintessential Savoie white—light-bodied, briskly acidic, and low in alcohol, offering flavors of green apple, citrus, and a signature mineral, flinty finish.
• Altesse (Roussette): Savoie's noble white grape, yielding medium-bodied, structured wines with ripe pear, Alpine blossoms, and a focused, mineral backbone; often capable of graceful aging.
• Roussanne (Bergeron): rich and aromatic, with a luscious texture and evocative notes of apricot and almond; especially expressive from the sun-soaked slopes of Chignin-Bergeron.
• Gringet: a rare Alpine treasure, producing crisp, mineral-driven whites and lively sparkling wines, marked by citrus peel, green apple, and fresh herbal nuances.
• Mondeuse Noire: Savoie's signature red variety, medium-bodied and tannic, brimming with blackberry, violet, black pepper, and a hint of game; known for depth and age-worthiness.
• Persan: a rediscovered indigenous red, structured and spicy with intense black fruit, rivaling Mondeuse for character and complexity.
• Gamay & Pinot Noir: light, fresh reds with juicy berry fruit and a rustic Alpine charm, offering a unique twist on these classic French grapes.

In the Savoie region, a collection of small, passionate producers is redefining the wine landscape through dedication to organic, biodynamic, and natural winemaking practices. These notable wineries are leading the charge with their unique approaches:

• Domaine Belluard (now Domaine du Gringet): Celebrated for its revival and elevation of the rare Gringet grape, producing both still and sparkling wines under the guidance of Vincent Ruiz.
• André & Michel Quenard: Renowned for crafting high-quality wines from Chignin's classic grape varieties, including Jacquère and Mondeuse, on their family estate.
• Domaine Giachino: A champion of biodynamic and natural winemaking, known for pure, expressive wines made with minimal intervention.
• Jean-Yves Péron: Esteemed for his natural winemaking techniques, creating distinctive wines with local varieties like Altesse and Mondeuse.
• Domaine des Côtes Rousses: A biodynamic producer focused on expressive wines from the Mondeuse grape, located in the Arbin appellation.
• Domaine de l'Idylle: A historic family estate practicing sustainable viticulture, crafting classic Alpine wines from Jacquère and Mondeuse since 1840.
• Domaine Dupasquier: Known for their meticulous and age-worthy Altesse wines from the Roussette de Savoie Marestel appellation.
• Jacques Maillet: A trailblazer in Savoie's biodynamic movement, producing wines that authentically reflect their unique terroir.

Wine tourism in Savoie offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and culinary delight. The region, nestled at the foot of the Alps, offers a tranquil escape from crowded wine areas, inviting visitors to explore its serene vineyard landscapes. The Savoie Wine Route is a highlight, guiding enthusiasts through a tapestry of vineyards that are part of the broader Alpine Wine Route extending into Italy. Here, the national Vignobles & Découvertes label assists in discovering top-tier wineries, restaurants, and accommodations in charming areas like "Cœur de Savoie" and "Aix-les-Bains Riviera des Alpes." Adventurers can enjoy experiences that pair wine with nature, such as hiking, biking, or even Segway tours through vineyard paths. The local cuisine is integral to the wine tourism experience, offering mouthwatering food and wine pairings. Rich cheese dishes like fondue savoyarde and raclette are perfectly complemented by the region's high-acid white wines, such as Jacquère and Altesse. The hearty tartiflette, with its mix of potatoes, bacon, and Reblochon cheese, is another local specialty worth trying. Additionally, the region's meats and fish, such as local sausages and fresh alpine lake fish, find harmonious matches in the spicy Mondeuse red and crisp white wines. While Savoie may not host large wine festivals, it remains vibrant throughout the year with events like "Apéro'Vignes" and the Festival de l'Opérette, offering a delightful fusion of music and wine.

Savoie presents a unique Alpine climate where vineyards flourish between the imposing Alps and serene Lake Geneva. This high-altitude region is characterized by its diverse soils—composed of clay, limestone, and glacial moraine—that imbue wines with a distinct mineral quality. The climate features significant diurnal temperature variations, allowing grapes to mature slowly while preserving their natural acidity and freshness. The region's long sunny days juxtaposed with cool nights create an ideal environment for cultivating both indigenous and classic French grape varieties. The challenging terrain and varied microclimates contribute to an array of wine styles. From the vibrant whites like Jacquère and Altesse to the hearty reds such as Mondeuse Noire, Savoie wines capture the essence of their distinctive terroir.