Wine Route Diary: Savoy

Forget everything you know about Savoy wines. Especially that one you bought on a ski trip that made your teeth grind in a way you still remember. Gone are the days of thin, acidic, green wines; Savoy is now working towards producing quality wines thanks to its exceptional terroirs. Let us explain…

Savoy: the kingdom of indigenous grape varieties

2,100 hectares. The soils of Savoy are quite varied, including stony soils resulting from erosion, known as glacial moraines. In reality, the freezing and thawing of glaciers fractures the rock and carries away the rocky debris. Granite and schist are also part of the landscape. The vineyards are located around Chambéry on the slopes of the Isère River and around Aix-les-Bains, shaped by the Rhône River. For red wines, the grape varieties are Mondeuse (the emblematic variety), Gamay, and Pinot Noir. For white wines, Jacquère, Roussanne (Chignin-Bergeron), and Altesse (AOC Roussette de Savoie) are used. I've developed a great interest in Persan, which I personally find very complex (an aromatic blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay).

There are four appellations: Vin de Savoie and Roussette de Savoie represent the bulk of the vineyard, to which are added two smaller appellations, Seyssel and Crépy. Nineteen crus can add their names to those of the two main appellations: Arbin, Ripaille, Marin, Marignan, Ayze, Frangy, Chautagne, Jongieux, Chignin, Apremont, Abymes, Marestel, Monthoux, Monterminod, Saint-Jeoire-Prieuré, Cruet, Montmélian, Saint-Jean-de-la-Porte and Chignin-Bergeron.

Savoy wines : quality wines in small quantities

The estates are rather small, and the plots are carefully managed. One senses the winemakers' deep conviction to produce quality wines through respect for the terroir and the vineyard. Many young winemakers share this belief. The wines of this region have a unique model: limited quantities, restricted distribution, and a very local market.

My favorite spots in Savoie

Giachino Estate
Mondeuse
My Sweet

Jean François Quénard
Persian

Thomas Finot
Persian

Benjamin Gras ( The Grapes )

Pourquoi nous faire confiance ?

Depuis 2014, chez Les Grappes, nous partons à la rencontre de vignerons passionnés partout en France pour dénicher des vins authentiques, vivants et pleins d'histoire. En travaillant directement avec plus de 500 vignerons, nous sélectionnons des cuvées que nous aimons vraiment et que nous avons envie de vous faire découvrir.

Ce blog est le prolongement de cette aventure. On y partage nos découvertes, nos conseils, nos coups de cœur, nos meilleurs accords mets-vins, des idées de dégustation et tout ce qui nous anime au quotidien autour du vin.

L'objectif est simple : vous aider à choisir des bouteilles qui vous ressemblent et à prendre encore plus de plaisir à les déguster.