No need to take the ski lift to have fun in the mountains! At the foot of the stations, the Savoie vineyards produce quality wines in three colors to be discovered in the best addresses in the region.
The Savoie vineyard produces elegant wines in 4 departments of the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region (Savoie, mainly, Haute-Savoie, Isère and Ain). Planted at an altitude that varies between 250 and 450 meters, well exposed, the vines benefit from ideal conditions to develop.
If fresh and lively white wines dominate production (70%), the Savoyard vineyard also produces red wines and a small proportion of rosés. East of Chambéry, the Combe de Savoie is home to the production areas of Abymes and Apremont wines as well as the vines of Arbin, Chignin, Chignin-Bergeron, Cruet… Going further north, to Lac du Bourget – in the ‘Savoyard foreland – we walk through the vines of Jongieux, Marestel and Monthoux. On the shores of Lake Geneva, the slopes of Crépy and Marignan flourish and in Thonon, the vineyards of Ripaille and Marin. In the Arve Valley, also nestles the Ayze vineyard, which runs at the bottom of the western slopes of the Môle.
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Three appellations (AOP Vin de Savoie, AOP Roussette de Savoie and AOP Seyssel) share around twenty geographical names. This is to say the extreme diversity of terroirs and micro-climates of this territory of only 2,200 hectares! We will also note the presence of 23 grape varieties, including 7 endemic varieties (originating from Savoy) such as mondeuse, its identity grape variety or jacquère, the most widespread.
Wine tourism in Savoie Mont Blanc, breathtaking sites
To discover the extreme diversity of the wines of Savoy, nothing like a wine tour. Hikes in the vineyards, wine cruises on Lake Bourget and tastings… The wine estates are opening their doors! The territory, dotted with greenways to be traveled by bicycle, is full of winegrowers’ stops to sleep in the vineyards such as the Nathalie and J.-F Maréchal’s wine house in Apremont or the Gîte aux Fruits de la Treille in Myans.
Several dozen starred restaurants are listed in the gastronomic counter of the region (let us mention La Bouitte ***, Auberge du Père Bise **, Les Morainières **). A regional museum of vine and wine in Montmélian houses a collection of wine tools and a 17th century press. Right next door, the Pierre Galet Alpine Ampelography Center works to preserve forgotten grape varieties.
Several wine route circuits are offered in the region and some events are to be noted in the agenda such as the Fascinating weekend, in autumn. More ideas for discovering the Heart of Savoy site.
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Five Savoie wines to (re) discover in the resort
True ambassadors, chefs are keen to include them on their establishment menus. Too systematically associated with raclettes and tartiflettes, the wines of Savoy deserve to be known alongside refined dishes. If they have a perfect love for local cheeses, they will also keep company with scallops, a fish tartare, white meats in sauce or a pan-fried foie gras… As a preamble, for the aperitif, you can discover the crémant de Savoie, light and fruity, recognized in 2015 among the 8 French crémants.
- Aux Arcs, Savoie Chignin, Charles Gonnet
Very expressive with its exotic notes, it has a lot of freshness and liveliness.
Shall we taste it? As an aperitif or with a féra fillet (local fish).
Shall we pay him? From € 5.60 (price ex-site).
We find it ? At the local grocery store Le petit marché, Résidence Les Monarques – Edenarc Arc 1800 73700 Les Arcs.
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- In Courchevel, Savoie Apremont Clos Saint-André 2019
Domaine Philippe and Sylvain Ravier
A limpid color with pale gold reflections, a vegetal nose and hints of flint.
Shall we taste it? With sea urchins or creamed poultry.
Shall we pay him? From € 9.60 (price ex-site).
We find it ? At the restaurant The Springboard, in Courchevel.
- In Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, Roussette de Savoie cru Marestel 2019 Domaine Chevallier Bernard
This 100% altesse cuvée has an exuberant nose of ripe pear and nuts. Round and velvety, the wine blossoms with notes of white flowers and a saline finish.
Shall we taste it? With seafood, sole meunière, scallops or even Asian cuisine.
Shall we pay him? From € 11.70 (price ex-site).
We find it ? At the Maison des Alpes, 71 Avenue du Mont d’Arbois, 74170 Saint-Gervais-les-Bains.
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- In Morzine, Crémant de Savoie Grande Réserve Domaine Vendange
A blend of jacquère, altesse and chardonnay, this crémant with a limpid color has very fine bubbles, a nose that evokes grapefruit and a lot of freshness.
Shall we taste it? As an aperitif or to spice up a risotto with langoustines and white meats in sauce.
Shall we pay him? From € 9.50 (price ex-site).
We find it ? At the restaurant La Chamade, La Crusaz, 90 Route de la Plagne, 74110 Morzine.
- And also, in Chamonix, Savoie Arbin Mondeuse cuvée Hors-Piste 2018 Domaine Trosset Fabien
A mondeuse with notes of violet and black fruits.
Shall we taste it? With grilled meat.
Shall we pay him? From € 14.50 (price ex-site).
We find it ? At the Vin sur Vin cellar, 112 Rue Joseph Vallot, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.
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