Vin de Savoie Wine Region Guide

Vin de Savoie is a wine Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée in France's Savoy wine region, which is located in the famous Alps' foothills. The region is primarily known for its upscale ski resort, cows, and regional cheeses. The region produces predominantly crisp aromatic white wines, with a little amount of rose and red, as well as sparkling wines. One of France's rarest wine areas, Vin de Savoie AOC produces wines mostly from regional varieties that are flourishing in its vineyards. Wine tourism in the Vin de Savoie wine area is one of the ways to learn about the local wine culture. Indeed, immersing oneself in the terroir is always more enjoyable than encountering a wine outside of its context. The Savoyard vineyard is unique in its steep slopes and hillsides that define the pre-Alpine foothills.

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Where is the Vin De Savoie Wine Region?

The AOC Vin de Savoie is the dominant appellation and covers all the vineyards of the Savoie wine region, in Eastern France. Recognized since 1973, it covers 18 square kilometres and 28 communes in Savoie, 20 in Haute-Savoie, 2 in Ain, and 1 in Isère. It refers to the complete production of wines of the three colours, vinified in France. Quiet, beading, and sparkling. In this region crisscrossed by mountains, valleys, lakes, and rivers, the continental climate undergoes many influences (oceanic in the north and Mediterranean in the south) and knows changing times.

Unique terroir of Vin De Savoie appellation

Terroir That Invokes Freshness and Alpine Characteristics

The vineyards are mostly grown on slopes, many of which are historic glacial moraines. However, the soils vary greatly in terms of dispersion and diversity of vineyards. And the quality of the sunlight exposure, which has a significant impact on the quality of the grapes and the sorts of wines produced. 

A local mention can thus be added to the AOC Vin de Savoie, identifying 15 wines, their terroirs and the grape varieties they favor: Abymes, Apremont, Arbin, Ayze, Chautagne, Chignin, Chignin-Bergeron or Bergeron, Cruet, Jongieux, Marignan, Marin, Montmelian, Ripaille, Saint-Jean-de-la-Porte, and Saint-Jeoire-Prieuré. 

The Savoy vineyard is a huge garden whose soils are the product of the geological evolutions of the birth of the Alps, notably for some parts of the Jura chain in the regions of Chautagne. 

The great bulk of the soils are formed of several sorts of limestones. It can be popularized by referring to "limestone scree," which falls from the mountains and forms the terroir that is so favorable to white wines. We also discover glacial moraines, the remnants of prehistoric glaciers that, as they receded, seeded the valley bottoms. Clay veins, such as those in the Arbin area, are well known for their aged reds. 

Finally, there are marls, quartz, schists, and many other variations that may be discovered by visiting wineries in Vin de Savoie..

History of Vin De Savoie wine region

Vine cultivation has been in Savoy since antiquity. In the first century BC, Pliny and Columella, for example, describe it. The quality of the wines has been apparent at that stage. In the Middle Ages, the church possessed one of the most important land holdings. The monks then began identifying the Savoyard vineyard's surfaces. 

The monks' quest for knowledge has resulted in notably increased wine quality... 

The nineteenth century concludes with a genuine resurrection of the Savoyard vineyard, owed in large part to agricultural science.

Vin de Savoie wine region got its recognition as an appellation in 1973.

What is Vin De Savoie Wine?

Vin de Savoie wines are composed of more than 70% white grapes, primarily Jacquère, Roussanne (or "Altesse"), Chasselas, and Gringet, while red and rosé wines are composed of Gamay, Mondeuse, Pinot Noir, and Mondeuse Persian, an almost extinct indigenous vine. 

Few wine-producing regions can boast such a broad range of grape varieties, some of which are unique to the region and the world:

• Altesse wines feature unique aromas, frequently with citrus and herbs, as well as good acidity. They are known to age nicely. 
• Gringet wine produces still and sparkling wines. The aromas are mild, with flowery undertones. 
• Jacquère wine is a fresh, energetic, acidic, and mouthwateringly crisp white wine that typically displays pure fruit flavors such as apple, pear, and citrus, but it may also exhibit notes of luxuriant herbs and wildflowers. 
• Variety of Chasselas: fruit, fresh wines with multiple carbon dioxide bubbles.
• Roussanne wines with long-term aging potential. 
• Mondeuse varietals are red wines that may be aged. 
• Molette wines produce bright, acidic, but not very fragrant white wines with a high alcohol content.

Chardonnay, pinot noir, and gamay, originating from Burgundy, have adapted beautifully here, creating a Savoyard character.

Food to Pair with Vin De Savoie wine

Fondue Savoyarde

Fondue Savoyarde is a traditional cuisine from the French region of Savoie, which is located in the heart of the French Alps. Fondue, which originated in Switzerland, soon gained favour in the Savoie area. The dish is composed of melted cheeses, often Gruyére, Beaufort, Emmental, and Comté. 

The fondue pot is covered with toasted cheese after the dish has been communally shared and devoured, delivering a religious ecstasy for real fondue aficionados. It pairs well with local Altesse wines.

Mint-Sauced Roast Lamb 

This classic British meal has roasted racks of lamb topped with mint sprigs and served with a delicious mint sauce. Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper are commonly used to season the meat. Fresh mint, sugar, vinegar, beef broth, and chopped shallots make up the sauce. 

It was once used for its powerful flavor, which cut through the harsher aromas of mutton. Today, the meal is frequently prepared during Easter, when it is best served with buttered carrots and a watercress salad on the side.

Tartiflette 

Tartiflette, a mouthwatering gratinated potato dish from the hilly area of Savoie in France, is one of the most popular Alps foods. It's created using medium-sized potatoes, white wine, Reblochon cheese, onions, smoked salt pork (lardons fumés), and crème fraîche, among other things. 

The meal immediately piqued the interest of both professional chefs and the general public, and it grew in popularity outside of France, most notably in Italy and Switzerland. Tartiflette is traditionally served hot, with a green salad and a glass of Vin de Savoie white wine on the side.

Places to visit in Vin De Savoie AOC

Val d'Isere, Memorable Winter Vacation

Val d'Isere is one of the best ski resorts in France, together with neighboring Tignes, it is part of the extensive Espace Killy zone, named after local resident and Olympic champion Jean-Claude Killy.

Val d'Isere during its existence has turned from an ordinary Savoy village into a luxury resort, its architectural appearance is recognized as one of the most successful among the Alpine resorts in France. A chalet with a gable roof, combining wood and raw stone, a central street with shops, restaurants and hotels – Val d'Isere has an offering to its visitors. The central part of the village around the medieval bell tower is a pedestrian zone. Most hotels are located close to ski lifts, and ski in/out at this resort is the rule rather than the exception.

Albertville, Best Place for Your Family Vacation

Albertville and the neighbouring village of Conflans are located in the Rhone-Alpes region of Savoie. Albertville is best known as a mountain and ski region, especially since it hosted the 1992 Winter Olympics, and various mountain ranges, notably the Bauges and Beaufortain ranges, are close. Albertville has a complex historical and architectural legacy, bearing the mark of cities and nations rich in art and history. Europe Square, the cultural centre that comprises a dome with a media library, a cinema, and a theatre, provides spectacular views over Conflans' ancient city centre.

Aix-les-Bains, A Truly French Experience

Aix-les-Bains is the oldest city in Savoy, one of the most famous thermal resorts in France, and most significantly - it is distinguished by uncommon architectural grandeur, unparalleled wealth of history, and natural beauty. 

It is situated at the foot of the Alpine Alps on the shores of France's most beautiful lake, Bourget. Water and mountain views provide an unforgettable backdrop for picturesque embankments, central streets, squares, parks, gardens, and palaces, castles, and Roman remains. 

Gastronomic delights and shopping in Aix-Les-Bains deserve special mention, as their diversity and excellence allow us to see the resort as a surprisingly democratic haven of "dolce vita".

Frequently Asked Questions About Vin De Savoie