Savoy or, in French, Savoie is a wine region situated in the Savoy region in eastern France, and is sometimes referred to as the country of the Allobroges.
The Savoy landscape is distinctly alpine. Between lakes and mountains, the Savoy vineyards hang from slopes or clutch at hillsides in little islands that produce their special growth, from Fréterive in the South, to Evian in the North, passing through Apremont and Jongieux.
With grape varieties Jacquère, Roussanne, Altesse (also known as Roussette) and Gringet for white wines, and Mondeuse for the reds, Savoie is characterised by a number of varieties which are very rare elsewhere, and seem so anchored to their soil that they are not suitable for other locations .
The Savoyard appellations (labels) are distributed through four departments: Haute-Savoie, Ain, Isère and Savoie. Crépy near Lake Geneva and Seyssel in the Ain are easy to locate. But wines labelled Roussette de Savoie and Vin de Savoie can come from anywhere in the wine growing area, unless the label display the name of a village in addition to the appellation. There are 4 Roussette villages: Frangy, Monthoux, Marestel and Monterminod. And there are no less than 17 "Vin de Savoie" villages, the most well known being Apremont, Chignin, Chautagne and Arbin.
Most Savoy wines should be enjoyed young, particularly the white wines from Jacquère grapes, which produce light wines, that are all flowery and fresh. Much richer and more structured, varietal wines from Roussette reach a balance after 2 or 3 years of aging. The same goes for Mondeuse which ages remarkably well and soften their tannins as time goes by.
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Chignin-Bergeron is a great wine, of golden yellow hue. It is very aromatic with hints of pineapple, mango, quince, apricot, hazelnut and honey. It is ready to serve, but will keep for up to 5 years, as it improves with age. Serve at about 12°C.
Chignin is a dry white wine, pleasant to drink, with slight pearling, and combining the flavors of different fruits, such as apples, with the scent of white flowers, such as acacia. It should be opened within 2 years and served at approximately 10°C.
The Altesse or Roussette variety of vine was probably introduced from Cyprus during the Crusades. Roussette de Savoie is a well bred, full wine that is slightly mellow, with aromas of violet and flavors of bergamot, hazelnut and almond. It is at its best after aging for a few years (2 to 5 years). Should be served at a temperature of about 10°C. Very rare wine.
Second fermentation of a dry white Jacquère with an Altesse (Roussette)-based liqueur.It has the vigor of Jacquère and the finesse of Roussette. Relatively rare wine. Serve at 10°C
Grape variety for white wine, muted of the Pinot Noir. The skin of this grape has a color that can vary from almost black to white and from pale blue to pink. The color of the wine can also have a hint of pink. The taste and smell of the wine have a certain spiciness with flavors of white soft fruit and a low acidity. Peach, Spices and Apricot.
Mondeuse blanche is a very rare white wine. Nice on the nose easy in the mouth with scents of citrus, dried fruits and mowed grass. Serve at 10°C
Mondeuse is a red wine with bluish tones from mondeuse grapes, generally recognized as an excellent tonic. It flows easily in the mouth with scents of violet, strawberry and raspberry, and is "full-bodied". Its tannins will mellow over time, and hints of nut may emerge. Should be kept (6 to 10 years). Serve at temperature of about 16°C
Mondeuse d’Arbin is also a red wine from mondeuse grapes with intense red deep color. In the mouth it tastes raspberry and liquorice. Its soft and warm tannins will aged well over time (up to 8 years). Perfect with red meat, game and cheese; to be served between 10 and 12° C.
Pinot is a wine with a high alcohol content (12 to 13°) and a fine scarlet raisin color. A lively, full bodied wine with abundant hints of fruit and delicate perfumes. Heady even when young, this wine nevertheless keeps very well and will become smoother with age. To be served at room temperature.
