Savoie

Savoie is a region in eastern France by the Auvergne-Rhône Alpes. Jura to the north, Switzerland to the east, and a little place known as Bugey to the west. Bugey is where we find our favorite sparkling wine, Bugey-Cerdon. The climate here is continental, with plenty of microclimates giving it both alpine and mediterranean influences. Vines grow on some mountain slopes between 820 feet -1804 feet in elevation.

70% of wines produced from this region are white. The main grapes are Altesse (also known as Rousette), Jacquère, Gringet, Mondeuse Blanche, Roussanne, and Chardonnay. Most notable red varieties include Mondeuse and Persan along with Pinot Noir and Gamay. More producers from this region are producing dry, complex, and mineral-focused wines, leaning away from the quaffable "après-ski" style. The reds are full of earth and brambly fruit, with "crunchy" acidity and tannins.

Many people enjoy dry, crisp, minerally whites but many people also don't know about how wonderful wines of Savoie can be. These wines are under-the-radar, and are of excellent value, most wines still at an affordable price point.