Savoie
サヴォワ
Crisp Alpine whites and peppery Mondeuse from the French Alps
About Savoie
- Appellations
- 3 areas
Savoie is France's Alpine wine region, a scattered patchwork of about 2,100 hectares of vineyards on the lower slopes of the Alps, mostly in the Savoie and Haute-Savoie departments with small parts in Ain and Isère. Vines grow on south-facing slopes of glacial moraine, limestone scree and river terraces, under a cool semi-continental climate tempered by lakes such as Lac du Bourget and Lake Geneva. Around 80% of production is white. Jacquère is the workhorse grape, giving light, crisp, low-alcohol whites with green apple, citrus and alpine-herb notes (Apremont and Abymes are its best-known crus); Altesse makes the more serious Roussette de Savoie, and Roussanne—locally called Bergeron—produces the rich Chignin-Bergeron. Reds come from Gamay, Pinot Noir and above all Mondeuse, a peppery, deeply coloured native grape, along with the rare Persan. The main appellations are Vin de Savoie (with 16 named crus such as Apremont, Abymes, Chignin, Arbin, Jongieux and Crépy), Roussette de Savoie, Seyssel and Crémant de Savoie.
Best for
Drinkers who love light, crisp, low-alcohol whites with mountain freshness, and explorers curious about rare native grapes like Jacquère, Altesse, Mondeuse and Persan—at very friendly prices.
Food Pairings
Classic partners are Alpine cheese dishes—fondue, raclette and tartiflette—as well as lake fish such as perch and char, Reblochon and Beaufort cheeses, and charcuterie. Mondeuse loves grilled meats and game; Chignin-Bergeron handles richer poultry and creamy sauces.
Appellations
Smaller wine areas within Savoie.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What kind of wine is Savoie known for?
- Savoie is known above all for crisp, light, mineral dry whites—about 80% of production—made mainly from the native Jacquère grape, plus fuller whites from Altesse and Roussanne (Bergeron) and peppery reds from Mondeuse.
- What is the main grape of Savoie?
- Jacquère is the most planted grape in Savoie. It gives fresh, low-alcohol whites with green apple, citrus and floral notes, and is the grape behind the popular crus Apremont and Abymes.
- What is the difference between Vin de Savoie and Roussette de Savoie?
- Vin de Savoie is the broad appellation covering whites, reds, rosés and sparkling wines, often with a cru name such as Apremont or Chignin. Roussette de Savoie is a white-only appellation made exclusively from Altesse, which is richer and more age-worthy than Jacquère.
- Can Savoie wines be aged?
- Most Jacquère-based whites are best drunk young within 1–3 years. Roussette de Savoie, Chignin-Bergeron and good Mondeuse reds can age gracefully for 5–10 years or more.
- What food goes best with Savoie wine?
- Savoie whites are the classic match for Alpine cheese dishes such as fondue, raclette and tartiflette, and for lake fish. Mondeuse reds pair well with grilled meats, game and charcuterie.