Domaine Eugène Carrel

One of the most prized wines you’ve never heard of, made with a grape variety you probably haven’t tried, this regional gem is new to the American stage. It is carried at virtually every local restaurant in Savoie, including the molecular gastronomy destination La Maison des Bois by Marc Veyrat, the six Michelin Starred chef often called the greatest chef in the world. The winery is located in the village of Jongieux, home of the region’s top cru, Marestel, and largest of the 17 appellations of the Savoie region. Situated at the start of the French Alps, Jongieux vineyards are on very steep, clay-limestone slopes carved out by ancient glaciers. Their southwest exposure earns them 2-3 hours more sun daily, allowing the grapes to ripen more fully than in any other part of Savoie and produce fuller, fresher and more balanced wines. Fermented at low temperatures in stainless steel to retain all the aroma of the grape, this Blanc is made from the native Jacquère, a clean and fresh alpine white grape variety. Although Savoie wines were once thought to be thin and lacking distinction, Jacquère helped bucked this trend. Jacquère wines have high acidity and are often described as "mountain-fresh.” This bottle, from a third-generation family run vineyard and 90% hand-harvested, conveys an essence of citrus and ripe pear, followed by a floral overtone and a slight mineral note at the finish. A small amount of its natural CO2 is retained to further enhance its freshness and vitality.