Savoie wines

Savoie: a journey at altitude

The wine region of Savoie, nestled in the French Alps, is renowned for its picturesque beauty as well as its unique wines. This high-altitude vineyard (between 250m and 500m) with its steep slopes also boasts a great diversity of grape varieties (23) and offers a truly unique wine experience. Thus, while white wines are by far the majority (70% of production), delicious red wines, rosé wines and sparkling wines are also produced. Explore with La Cave Éclairée the most beautiful IGP and AOP of the region, all at the best price!

The grape varieties of Savoie

The most emblematic white grape variety of Savoie is certainly the Jacquère (50% of the vineyard). This variety generally gives rise to a fresh, lively, and fruity white wine, expressing notes of citrus and white flowers with a beautiful minerality.The cuvées produced from this grape variety generally pair very well with seafood and shellfish, fish, salads, but also raclette and certain cheeses such as Reblochon.

The indigenous grape variety Altesse, also known as Roussette, is also very widespread. The variety produces still white wines as well as sparkling wines. Its aromatic profile mainly develops notes of citrus, peach, pear, honey, and sometimes exotic aromas such as pineapple or mango. Its texture can be quite generous, but it is also defined by a lovely acidity. Delicious pairings can be imagined with raclette, tartiflette, fondue, salads, and fish.

Still in white, Roussanne, locally called Bergeron, allows the production of white wines with a golden hue and aromas of apricot, peach, mango, as well as floral notes such as hawthorn and acacia. On the best terroirs, the wines produced can be kept for several years in the cellar.

Finally, Chasselas, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris but also Malvoisie, Molette, and Mondeuse blanche are also established in the region.

As for reds and rosés, the three main varieties to remember are the Gamay, the Pinot Noir and Mondeuse. The latter, native to the region, produces fresh, fruity, and thirst-quenching wines, exuding a very lovely aromatic finesse (notes of red and black fruits, spicy aromas, etc.).) and presenting a certain tannic structure. Magnificent age-worthy wines can be produced thanks to this grape variety.

Appellations and terroirs of Savoie

The Savoie wine region is very vast. Thus, the regional AOC Savoie extends from the shores of Lake Geneva to the south of Chambéry, covering 52 municipalities.

The regional AOP Roussette de Savoie extends along the banks of the Rhône and in the Bugey. The main grape variety here is Roussette (or Altesse) but Chardonnay can also be used. When a cru name is claimed (e.g. : Roussette de Savoie Frangy), the use of Altesse is then mandatory at 100%.

The Chignin AOP is often considered the finest vintage of Savoie.  It indeed benefits from exceptional conditions, and its vineyard has clay-limestone soils mostly facing south to southeast. There you will find magnificent white wines mainly produced from Jacquère, but also red wines made from Mondeuse, Pinot Noir, and Gamay.

Furthermore, the Chignin-Bergeron AOC benefits from the same terroir as the Chignin appellation. The only difference here lies in the mandatory use of the Bergeron (Roussanne) grape variety. Other PDOs also exist, such as Seyssel or Bugey.

In general, the Savoyard vineyard is characterized by steep slopes exposed to the sun but benefiting from the coolness of the surrounding mountains. The soils can range from limestone to clay and marl, contributing to the complexity of the wines. The Alpine influences, with their harsh winters and hot summers, give Savoie wines a distinctive freshness and a beautiful aromatic liveliness.

Savoie is therefore an exciting destination for wine enthusiasts seeking new discoveries. With its indigenous grape varieties, its fresh and aromatic wines, its distinct AOPs, as well as its mountainous terroirs, the region offers a unique wine experience. So, whether you wish to taste a light and fruity white wine or explore fresh and spicy red wines, let yourself be surprised by the authentic character of the region. Of course, if you need advice, do not hesitate to contact La Cave Éclairée ! We work exclusively with the Domaine Partagé Gilles Berlioz which perfectly illustrates the diversity of appellations and grape varieties in the region!

Savoie wine delivery

Have you fallen for an estate, a grape variety (Mondeuse, Jacquère, etc.) or a AOP from the region (Roussette, Chignin, Chignin-Bergeron, Bugey, etc.) ? La Cave Éclairée offers you several delivery options to suit your needs, and always at the best price ! Delivery to a pick-up point, standard home delivery, or Express home delivery are all choices we offer to fit your schedule and your budget.

From small family estates to grand châteaux, La Cave Éclairée offers a solid range of quality wines, whether from Savoie or other regions. Choose your bottle with peace of mind, we take care of everything ! Also, please feel free to give us your feedback on our service or product reviews; we are constantly improving our range thanks to your input !