Savoie Region

Everything You Need to Know About the Savoie Region

Savoie is a wine-growing region located in the French Alps, known for its mountain wines with a fresh, easy-drinking profile. The Savoie vineyards produce mainly white wines, but also reds, rosés, and a few sparkling wines. Despite its limited area, the region stands out for the diversity of its grape varieties and terroirs.

An Alpine vineyard with a unique microclimate

The Savoie wine region covers approximately 2,000 hectares. It benefits from a relatively warm microclimate, due to the south and southeast exposure of the hillsides, as well as the moderating influence of the surrounding lakes and rivers.
These conditions allow the grapes to ripen well, despite the high altitude and the distinctly mountainous environment.

Vines sometimes grow alongside other Mediterranean crops, such as apricot, fig, and almond trees, illustrating the region’s unique climate.

Highly Diverse Soils

The soils of Savoy are predominantly limestone, often derived from Alpine scree. There is also a wide variety of geological formations, including
, glacial moraines, alluvial soils, river terraces, steep limestone slopes, and molasse basins.

This mosaic of soils, dating back to the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, contributes to the diversity of wine styles produced in Savoie.

Grape Varieties and Wine Styles

Savoie grows several indigenous or regional grape varieties. Production consists of approximately 70% white wines, 20% reds, and a smaller proportion of rosés and sparkling wines.

Among the most representative grape varieties are:

• Jacquère, producing light and fresh white wines

• Altesse (Roussette), more structured and aromatic

• Roussanne (Bergeron), for richer white wines

• Mondeuse, an iconic red grape variety, spicy and full-bodied

• Gamay and Pinot Noir, present to a lesser extent

Wines from Savoie are generally characterized by their freshness, aromas of fresh fruit, and good acidity.

Food and Wine Pairings from Savoie

White wines from Savoie are a natural pairing with regional cuisine.
Roussette de Savoie and white wines made from Jacquère grapes pair well with fondues, tartiflettes, freshwater fish, and cheeses such as Beaufort or Reblochon.

Red wines, particularly those made from Mondeuse grapes, pair well with local charcuterie, braised meats, or a shoulder of lamb.
Rosés are best suited for lighter dishes or Italian-inspired cuisine.

Wineries in Savoie Worth Exploring

This selection highlights wineries that exemplify the revival and diversity of Savoie wines:

• Adrien Berlioz – Cellier des Cray

• Giachino Estate

• Thomas Finot

• Ardoisières Estate

These vineyards offer a chance to discover the wines of Savoie through both approachable vintages and more distinctive expressions, all of which are characterized by their Alpine origins.