The Savoie vineyard extends across around 2,200 hectares of vines in the heart of the French Alps, between lakes and mountains, at altitudes ranging from 250 to 600 metres. Fragmented into numerous distinct wine zones around lakes Geneva, Le Bourget and Annecy, and in the alpine valleys, this mountain vineyard produces wines of incomparable freshness and minerality. Jacquère, the dominant white grape variety, yields light and lively wines ideal for pairing with Savoyard cuisine. Altesse produces whites of great nobility and aromatic complexity. The red Mondeuse produces structured wines with aromas of dark fruits and spice. Apremont, Abymes, Chignin-Bergeron and Arbin rank among the most sought-after crus of this secret alpine vineyard.
Vines have been cultivated in Savoie since Roman Antiquity, as evidenced by archaeological discoveries around Lake Le Bourget and Chambéry. The Dukes of Savoy were among the first rulers to protect and promote their alpine vineyards in the Middle Ages. The annexation of Savoie by France in 1860 integrated this vineyard into the national wine system. The phylloxera crisis at the end of the 19th century hit the vineyard hard. The 20th-century reconstruction wisely prioritised native grape varieties, particularly Jacquère and Mondeuse, which give Savoyard wines their irreplaceable identity. Since the 1980s, the vineyard has experienced a notable revival, driven by alpine tourism and a new generation of winemakers deeply attached to their local grape varieties.
Savoie wines are organised according to a precise hierarchy. As throughout the French wine regions, the French appellation system structures production according to terroir and quality criteria.
The regional appellation covers the entire Savoyard vineyard and may be accompanied by 23 geographical cru names, the best known of which are Apremont, Abymes, Chignin, Chignin-Bergeron, Montmélian, Arbin and Crépy. These crus are distinguished by their specific terroirs and their characteristic productions.
This appellation is reserved for white wines made exclusively from Altesse. Roussette de Savoie may be complemented by the crus of Frangy, Marestel, Monterminod and Monthoux, which produce the most complex and ambitious expressions of this noble grape variety.
Created in 2015, the Crémant de Savoie is a sparkling wine produced by the traditional method from local grape varieties. The historic and confidential AOC Seyssel produces still and sparkling whites from Altesse and Molette on the banks of the Rhône.
The notion of terroir is central to Savoie. The grape varieties cultivated in this alpine vineyard fully express the geological and climatic characteristics of a region where glacial moraines, schists, limestone and marl succeed one another from one valley to the next.
The dominant white grape variety of Savoie, Jacquère produces light, lively and fresh wines with discreet aromas of white flowers, lemon and fresh almonds. Its low alcohol content and bright acidity make it the ideal partner for Savoyard cuisine: cheese fondue, raclette, tartiflette and freshwater fish from the alpine lakes.
A noble and ambitious Savoie grape variety, Altesse produces wines of an aromatic complexity far superior to Jacquère. Honey, apricot, white flowers, toasted hazelnut and sometimes a gentle noble oxidative touch characterise its finest expressions. The crus of Marestel and Frangy produce the most sought-after Roussettes in the region.
The only native red grape variety of Savoie, Mondeuse produces wines of deep, dark colour with intense aromas of bilberry, violet, spice and pepper. Its firm tannins and lively acidity give it a remarkable ageing potential among alpine wines. The Arbin cru is considered the finest terroir for Mondeuse expression.
Wine producers in Savoie are distinguished by their unwavering attachment to native grape varieties and their alpine terroir. Among the iconic estates: Domaine Belluard, Domaine Dupasquier, Domaine des Ardoisières, Louis Magnin, Domaine Giachino, Michel Grisard. Négociants also play a structuring role in the Savoie wine market.
AOC Vin de Savoie
AOC Vin de Savoie Apremont
AOC Vin de Savoie Abymes
AOC Vin de Savoie Chignin
AOC Vin de Savoie Chignin-Bergeron
AOC Vin de Savoie Arbin
AOC Roussette de Savoie
AOC Roussette de Savoie Marestel
AOC Roussette de Savoie Frangy
AOC Crémant de Savoie
AOC Seyssel
Savoie has no official grand cru classification, but certain crus and winemakers have established themselves as unmissable references among lovers of alpine terroir wines. The Mondeuses of Michel Grisard and Louis Magnin, the Roussettes de Marestel and the Apremont of Domaine Belluard are among the most admired Savoyard wines.
Domaine Belluard (Apremont)
Michel Grisard (Arbin)
Louis Magnin (Arbin)
Domaine Dupasquier (Marestel)
Domaine des Ardoisières
Domaine Giachino
Roussette de Savoie Frangy
Chignin-Bergeron (Quénard)
Crémant de Savoie
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These two neighbouring crus at the foot of the Bauges massif produce the largest share of Savoyard Jacquère. The vines planted on the rockfall debris from the Granier mountain give the wines a unique minerality and an unforgettable stony character.
France's largest natural lake is fringed by vineyards that seem to tumble into its blue waters. The spa town of Aix-les-Bains is the ideal starting point for exploring the wines of the Combe de Savoie and the Roussettes de Marestel.
This valley south of Chambéry concentrates the finest Savoie Mondeuses on exceptional schist and moraine terroirs. Visiting the Arbin estates, combined with the discovery of the Château de Miolans perched on its rocky spur, makes for an unforgettable wine and heritage experience.
This Haute-Savoie village produces one of the most reputed Roussettes de Savoie on perfectly exposed limestone and molasse terroirs. Its proximity to Lake Geneva and Geneva makes it a prized destination for lovers of confidential alpine wines.
Savoie is renowned for its generous, warming alpine cuisine: Savoyard fondue, raclette, tartiflette, diots in white wine and Arctic char from the alpine lakes. Wine merchants and restaurants offer unique tasting experiences. Wine and spirits importers from around the world are rediscovering these highly original mountain wines. Discover also neighbouring Jura and Bugey.
Clos des Sens (Annecy)
Le Fac'simile (Chambéry)
Atmosphères (Le Bourget-du-Lac)
La Maison des Bois (Megève)
L'Esquisse (Annecy)
Le Prieuré (Chamonix)
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