Roussette de Savoie

The Roussette de Savoie vineyards, protected by an AOC designation, cover approximately 1,300 hectares in the departments of Savoie and Haute-Savoie. They produce almost 100,000 hectoliters per year, 80% of which is white wine. The Roussette de Savoie AOC designation was granted by decree in 1973. Four areas of the Roussette de Savoie appellation can claim a cru name: Frangy, Marestel, Monterminod, and Monthoux.

Roussette de Savoie is a white wine produced exclusively from the Roussette (or Altesse) grape variety. The origin of this grape variety can be traced back to the Crusader, the Count of Mareste, who is said to have brought it back from Cyprus. Today, Roussette is a typical grape variety of the region, rich and aromatic, used to produce the smooth wines of Roussette de Savoie.

Among the producers of Roussette de Savoie, certain wineries have made a significant contribution to building the reputation of these wines. This is true of Domaine Louis Magnin and Domaine Dupasquier.

Roussette de Savoie wine is fresh and offers subtle hints of violet reminiscent of hawthorn blossoms. But this exceptional wine also has nuances of honey, apricot, and hazelnut. Roussette de Savoie captures the maximum aromas contained in the grape. When young, Roussette de Savoie white wine is particularly exquisite.

After a few years of aging, this wine, which is astonishing in its quality, pairs well with many dishes. Gratin, tart, cheese, Savoyard fondue, tartiflette, shellfish, raw vegetables, salad... it also goes well with appetizers or fish.

The Rousette de Savoie appellation is reserved for dry white wines. Rousette de Savoie Frangy is produced in the Usses Valley in Haute-Savoie from vines facing south or southeast. The Maresel white wine covers the communes of Jongieux and Lucey. The vines, facing west at an altitude of 500 m, produce a wine that is dense and round on the palate. The notes of candied fruit and dried fruit are ideal with poached chicken in white sauce. Roussette de Savoie Monterminod is a tiny wine from Chambéry. The south-facing vines produce exceptional wines. Finally, the dry white wine of Monthoux is produced in the commune of Saint-Jean-de-Chevelu. The soils are stony and feature glacial deposits. The Rousette de Savoie cru Monthoux offers aromas of wax, dried fruit, and candied fruit. It is particularly appreciated with cheeses such as Comté.

Serve 10 cl of Rousette de Savoie in a Burgundy-style white wine glass. The ideal serving temperature is between 7°C and 10°C. For a denser, fuller-bodied wine, the temperature should be between 10°C and 13°C. When tasting, pay attention to how the wine develops. Decanting may be considered. Oxygen that fades or breaks does not change the taste of the wine.

To chill the bottle, an ice bucket with two or three handfuls of ice cubes is suitable. The temperature is checked using a wine thermometer. This should be immersed in a glass filled to ⅓.

This floral wine should be stored in a wine cabinet designed for aging. The temperature should be between 54°F and 57°F. For optimal storage of Rousette de Savoie in a wine cellar, a humidity level of between 70% and 75% is ideal. The temperature should be between 10°C and 13°C. The wine can be stored for between 3 and 10 years. The temperature must also be constant, as fluctuations can slow down the wine's development or cause it to mature prematurely.

Ambymes and Apremont wines can be stored longer than other "generic" dry white wines. Storage times may vary depending on the estate.

The Roussette de Savoie Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) encompasses dry white wines made from a grape variety known as Roussette or Altesse. This appellation covers approximately 50 hectares of vineyards and benefits from a temperate continental climate with a mountainous influence. These wines are highly appreciated because they can be enjoyed young or after several years of aging.

The Roussette de Savoie AOC was registered in 1973. Its sole grape variety, Roussette (or Altesse), is believed to originate from Cyprus and to have been brought back by the Count of Mareste during the Crusades. This appellation is one of the main ones in the Savoie sub-region. Savoie and Haute-Savoie produce 80% of white wines.

Roussette de Savoie white wines are produced in the departments of Savoie and Haute-Savoie. The vineyards stretch from the commune of Frangy, along the Usses River, through the communes of Monthoux, Monterminod, and Marestel, to the shores of Lake Bourget. The diversity of the soils, which are stony or sandy, and the mountain climate produce dry wines from Haute-Savoie and Savoie.

These are fine, subtle wines with a light color. On tasting, they reveal aromas of fruits such as apricot, dried fruits such as hazelnut, and wild flowers such as hawthorn. The attack on the palate is fresh and lively. Roussette de Savoie wines can be enjoyed young and improve after several years of aging.

When tasted young, Roussette de Savoie white wine can be served as an aperitif. After a few years of aging, it pairs well with fish, white meat in sauce, and cheeses such as Comté or Beaufort. It is also suitable for dishes from the Savoie and Haute-Savoie regions, such as tartiflette. This wine should be served in a white wine glass at a temperature between 7° and 10°C.

Producers of AOC Roussette de Savoie

Among all the producers of Roussette de Savoie, some stand out thanks to their expertise and offer high-quality dry white wines.