Savoie and its wines

The Savoy (Savoie) is one of the most unusual wine regions of France, at the foot of the Alps, near the borders with Switzerland and theItaly. Famous for its fresh, mineral white wines, Savoie also produces light, elegant reds, thanks to a unique terroir of limestone, marl and schist soils, combined with a a mountain climate and lake influences.

The native grape varieties, such as Jacquère, Altesse (Roussette) and Mondeuse, give the wines of Savoie a distinctive personality, with aromatic profiles ranging from floral and citrus notes in the whites to spicy, fruity hints in the reds.

What is the Savoy wine district?

Savoie is a region with a niche wine production, governed by several Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC):

• Vin de Savoie AOC → The main appellation, which includes fresh, mineral whites.
• Roussette de Savoie AOC → Structured, long-lived whites based on Altesse.
• Seyssel AOC → Specialising in whites from Altesse and Molette.
• Crémant de Savoie AOC → Traditional method sparkling wines, elegant and mineral.

The AOCs can be accompanied by Cru specific, indicating the best-suited areas, such as Apremont, Chignin, Arbin and Jongieux.

The Great Wine Regions of Savoie

1. The Bauges Massif and the Combe de Savoie

• Main grape varieties: Jacquère, Roussanne, Mondeuse.
• Style: Mineral, light whites, spicy, fruity reds.
• Famous appellations: Apremont, Chignin, Arbin.

2. Haute-Savoie and Lake Geneva

• Main grape varieties: Altesse, Chasselas, Molette.
• Style: Floral, aromatic whites.
• Famous appellations: Roussette de Savoie, Seyssel.

3. The Isère Valley and the Tarentaise

• Main grape varieties: Jacquère, Persan, Mondeuse Blanche.
• Style: Rare, unusual wines, with great expression of place.
• Famous appellations: Cru St-Jean-de-la-Porte, Cru Montmélian.

4. Chambéry and the Heart of Savoie

• Main grape varieties: Jacquère, Gamay, Mondeuse.
• Style: Young, easy-drinking wines, perfect for Savoyard cooking.
• Famous appellations: Crémant de Savoie.

Characteristics of Savoie Wines

Colour

• Whites: Straw yellow with greenish highlights, bright.
• Reds: Light ruby red, with purple nuances in the young Mondeuses.
• Sparkling wines: Bright yellow with a fine, persistent perlage.

Aromas

• Fruity: Citrus, green apple and peach in the whites; cherry and redcurrant in the reds.
• Floral: White flowers in the Jacquère and Roussette.
• Mineral and Spicy: Notes of flint in the whites, black pepper in the Mondeuse.

Palate

• Fresh and Mineral: In the whites, with balanced acidity and great drinkability.
• Fruity and Spicy: In the reds, with delicate tannins and elegant structure.
• Creamy and Elegant: In the Crémant de Savoie.

Typical Grape Varieties of Savoie

White Grape Varieties

• Jacquère: The most widely grown grape variety, light, fresh and mineral.
• Altesse (Roussette): Aromatic and structured, excellent for laying down.
• Chasselas: Typical of the Lake Geneva area, delicate and floral.
• Roussanne (Bergeron): Fuller-bodied and more complex, similar to the wines of the Rhône Valley.

Black Grape Varieties

• Mondeuse: Elegant and spicy, with excellent ageing potential.
• Persan: A rare grape variety, with notes of berries and black pepper.
• Gamay: Used for fruity, light wines, similar to Beaujolais.

Why Choose a Wine from Savoie?

A wine from the Savoie is a perfect choice for anyone looking for freshness, elegance and authenticity, ideal alongside fondue, raclette, crozets, fish dishes and Alpine cheeses. From the mineral and citrussy whites, to the spicy, fruity reds, through to the metodo classico sparkling wines, Savoie offers a wide variety of wines with an alpine character.