French Wines, Whites and Reds in Savoie-Alps

Wine Tasting, Pinot & Gamay, Roussette, Chignin & Mondeuse

Nov 3, 2009

In the foothills of the French Alps, Savoie offers a wide range of quality wines, on a par with the finest vintages in the country.

Savoie claims one of the oldest wine growing areas in France, dating back over 2000 years. Different soils and micro-climates yield 23 grape varieties, noble or traditional, seven of them unique to the region, such as Altesse, Persan, Jacquère and black and white Mondeuses. Pinot, Chardonnay, Gamay and Chignin Bergeron are among imported varieties.

The Savoie AOC quality label covers four counties and a total of 22 vintages. Production today is all about quality and the French wines from Savoie are served in top restaurants across the country.

French White Wines in Savoie-Alps, Roussette, Chignin and Mondeuse

Chignin is a dry fragrant wine with a fresh fruity flavour, at its best within two years. Chignin Bergeron, or Roussanne, matures well, up to five years, with a lovely golden colour and flavours of soft yellow fruit, honey and nuts. Both should be served cool.

White wines include the aromatic Roussette, or Altesse, a rare wine with a slightly nutty flavour, excellent with fish or dessert, the fruity Pinot Gris with a hint of spice and white Mondeuse, a very rare variety reminiscent of citrus fruit and freshly cut grass. Jacquère is a lightly scented wine, great with seafood and melted cheese dishes.

Chardonnay and Chasselas are also available as well as a selection of rosé and sparkling wines. Chardonnay and Roussette are popular aperitifs.

French Red Wines in Savoie-Alps, Pinot, Gamay and Persan

Savoie has some fine red wines, among them the full bodied Gamay Noir with a taste of dried berries and fruit, Persan and the legendary Pinot Noir, highly perfumed and fruity with a robust 12-13º alcohol, the perfect accompaniment to red meat and cheese.

Mondeuse is a powerful red, often acclaimed as a healthy tonic, with a scent of violets and berries, best after 6 to 10 years. The Mondeuse d’Arbin adds a hint of liquorice and is served with red meat, game and cheese from Savoie.

Wine Tasting in Savoie

Many wine growers in Savoie offer free tasting and the chance to buy from the producer. There are also guided tours around vineyards and cellars, tasting included. Experts say the best time for wine tasting is late morning when the palate is most receptive. Coffee and sweets should be avoided prior to the session and tasting is done from a tulip glass, held at the base.

Wine tasting involves three senses, sight, smell and taste. Connoisseurs first assess clarity and colour then release the aroma by gently swirling the wine in the glass. Aroma may be fruity or floral, herby, spicy, reminiscent of fresh coffee or toasted bread while flavours run the whole gamut of fruit, flowers, nuts and much more, evolving from the first contact with the tongue to a rewarding after taste.

The copyright of the article French Wines, Whites and Reds in Savoie-Alps in French Wine is owned by Solange Hando. Permission to republish French Wines, Whites and Reds in Savoie-Alps in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.