Exploring Savoie Wines: A Rich Tradition and Flavorful Pairings

It is often during the autumn season that people start pondering the wines of the AOC Savoie. Frequently associated with Savoyard dishes that complement the cold season—such as fondue, raclette, and tartiflette—these wines actually offer a much broader range of possibilities and a long history.

Indeed, viticulture in Savoie dates back to at least the time of the Gauls! Roman writers Pliny the Elder and Columella praised its merits in their writings. The vine was firmly established in Savoie with the conquest of Gaul, flourished during the Middle Ages with the help of monks, and today offers a richness worth discovering.

Characteristics of Savoie Wines

Savoie wines stand out for their great diversity of climates and soils, as well as a long list of cultivated grape varieties.

Soils and Climate

The Savoie vineyards are located on the lower slopes of the Alps. These slopes, formed by the collision of the Eurasian and African tectonic plates, reveal a multitude of different soils and geologies.

The relief created by these slopes also provides various altitude levels, valleys, and ridges. The vineyards within the AOC can be situated at varying altitudes (benefiting from cooler or warmer temperatures) and even nestled within valleys (experiencing interesting microclimates).

Thus, the terroirs are naturally very diverse, contributing to the richness of the AOC Savoie appellation.

Grape Varieties

Reflecting this terroir diversity, the grape varieties thriving in Savoie are numerous. Local varieties include Mondeuse, Jacquère, Altesse, Bergeron, and Chasselas. Additionally, imported varieties from neighboring regions include Gamay from Beaujolais, Poulsard from Jura, as well as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Sensory Markers

There is not just one type of Savoie wine but several. Generally, red wines made from Mondeuse are robust and full of character. When well-crafted, these wines offer aromas of peony, raspberry pepper, and blackcurrant. Young Mondeuse wines are robust, while aged ones become smooth and velvety. Other Savoie wines, such as those made from Gamay or Pinot Noir, produce fresh and light wines with red fruit notes.

Savoie is more renowned for its white wines, including:

• Jacquère: Known for its fresh and light wines.
• Altesse (also known as Roussette de Savoie): Produces fine, dry, and aromatic wines.
• Bergeron (the Savoyard name for Roussanne, a Rhône grape variety): Offers white wines with floral aromas of honeysuckle and iris.
• Chasselas: Originating from the shores of Lake Geneva, known for its subtle aromatic profile, sometimes hinting at pear and peach.

Recommended Food Pairings with Savoie Wines

With Savoie White Wines

For Savoie wines, nothing beats a perfect local pairing. The acidity imparted by the altitude of their vineyards and their aromatic profile makes them ideal for dishes featuring warm cheese. Savoie white wines pair wonderfully with raclette, fondue, and tartiflette. They also complement fish dishes, so why not try a crayfish gratin or a trout with blue cheese? Guaranteed delight.

They are also excellent as an aperitif.

With Savoie Red Wines

Savoie red wines pair perfectly with meats, game, and Savoyard charcuterie. Aged Gamay and Mondeuse wines can also pair well with Savoie cheeses, whether melted or not.