Alpine Elixir: The Wine Lover’s Guide to Savoie
Hello, Alfredo here, your beloved foodie traveler, ready to embark on another vinous adventure! Today, we’ll be exploring the vineyards of of one of the most beautiful and underrated regions in all of France.
The French Alps may be renowned for their rugged beauty and world-class skiing, but nestled among these snow-capped peaks lies a lesser-known treasure: the vineyards of the Savoie wine region.
With its cool climate, diverse soils, and unique grape varieties, Savoie’s wine portfolio boasts an impressive range of styles and expressions, as intricate as the mosaic of appellations and crus that compose the region.
Terroir: The Foundation of Savoie Wines
The terroir of Savoie, the foundation upon which the region’s wines are built, is an intricate tapestry of geological influences, climate conditions, and centuries of winemaking tradition. From the steep slopes of the Alps to the shores of Lake Geneva, Savoie’s soils are a complex amalgam of limestone, marl, granite, and schist. These heterogeneous soils contribute to the multifaceted character of the region’s wines, imparting minerality and structure that harmonize with the natural acidity fostered by the cool alpine climate.
The climate in Savoie is decidedly continental, characterized by cold winters, mild summers, and abundant precipitation.
Yet, despite the harsh conditions, vineyards thrive in pockets of microclimates, basking in the sunlight that bathes the slopes and taking advantage of the temperature-regulating effects of nearby lakes and rivers. These microclimates, each with its unique combination of sun exposure, altitude, and soil composition, allow for an assortment of grape varieties to prosper, ultimately bestowing the wines of Savoie with their diverse personalities.
Crus and Appellations: The Melodic Variations of Savoie
Within the Savoie wine region, there are 20 appellations and 3 principal crus, each embodying a particular facet of the region’s terroir and collectively composing a symphony of styles.
The Appellations: A Chorus of Alpine Expressions
The appellations of Savoie are like the individual voices in a choir, each contributing a unique timbre that resonates throughout the region. Some of the most prominent appellations include:
- Apremont: Known for its white wines made predominantly from the Jacquère grape, Apremont’s limestone and marl-rich soils imbue the wines with a delightful minerality, while the floral and fruity aromas evoke the Alpine meadows.
- Chignin: With its granite and limestone soils, Chignin is another white wine stronghold, where the Bergeron (Roussanne) grape variety takes center stage. The wines produced here exhibit a delicate balance of ripe stone fruit flavors and refreshing acidity, complemented by subtle nutty undertones.
- Abymes: This appellation, with its predominantly siliceous soils, is yet another Jacquère stronghold. The wines from Abymes are characterized by their crisp, citrusy profile, which is enhanced by notes of green apple and white flowers, making them an ideal companion for seafood dishes.
- Crépy: Located near the shores of Lake Geneva, the Crépy appellation showcases the Altesse grape variety, also known as Roussette. The wines produced here exhibit a rich, full-bodied palate with flavors of honey, quince, and almonds, supported by a mineral backbone that reflects the region’s limestone and marl soils.
The Crus: A Trio of Premier Performers
In addition to the multitude of appellations, Savoie boasts three principal crus, each representing the pinnacle of the region’s winemaking prowess.
- Roussette de Savoie: As the region’s most prestigious white wine cru, Roussette de Savoie is synonymous with the Altesse grape variety. With its complex aromatic profile, including notes of ripe pears, apricots, and delicate white flowers, Roussette de Savoie wines are renowned for their elegance, longevity, and ability to pair beautifully with rich, creamy dishes.
- Chautagne: This cru, situated in the southwestern part of Savoie, is recognized for its red wines, primarily crafted from the Mondeuse grape. The Chautagne terroir, with its mix of clay and limestone soils, produces structured, spicy wines with black fruit flavors and a hint of earthiness, which evolve gracefully over time.
- Arbin: Nestled within the heart of the region, Arbin is another red wine powerhouse where Mondeuse thrives. The wines produced in this cru are known for their concentration and depth, displaying dark fruit flavors, peppery notes, and firm tannins that are a testament to the region’s schist and limestone-rich soils.
The Savoie Wine Region’s Harmonious Ensemble
The Savoie wine region, with its diverse terroir and myriad of appellations and crus, is truly an ensemble of unique voices that come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re sipping on a crisp, refreshing Jacquère from Apremont, a full-bodied Altesse from Crépy, or an age-worthy Mondeuse from Chautagne, each glass of Savoie wine is a melodious tribute to the region’s rich winemaking heritage and the rugged beauty of the French Alps. So, raise a toast to the symphony of styles and terroirs that make Savoie a captivating and enchanting destination for wine enthusiasts.
written and directed by Alfredo Ravanetti