Alright folks, let me tell you about my Savoie wine adventure. It all started with a random craving for something different, you know? I was tired of the usual suspects from Burgundy and Bordeaux, so I thought, “Why not Savoie?” I’d heard whispers of these crisp, alpine wines, and I was intrigued.
First thing I did was hit up my local wine shop. I told the guy behind the counter, “Give me your best Savoie.” He looked at me like I had three heads! Apparently, it’s not exactly flying off the shelves around here. But, to his credit, he dug around and pulled out a bottle of Apremont. He said it was a classic, a good place to start. So, I grabbed it.
Got home, chilled it down, and popped the cork. Poured myself a glass, and… wow. It was like drinking liquid mountain air. Super crisp, with this subtle minerality that just lingered. It wasn’t fruity or oaky or anything like that. Just pure, clean, and refreshing. I was hooked!
The next step was research. I went online, started digging into the different grape varieties of Savoie. Jacquère, Mondeuse, Altesse… these were all new to me! I discovered that Savoie is a tiny wine region, nestled in the French Alps, near Switzerland and Italy. That explained the unique character of the wines.
I then went back to the wine shop determined to try other Savoie wines. This time I was armed with a list of grape varieties. The guy was actually impressed! He pulled out a bottle of Mondeuse, a red wine from Savoie. This was a completely different experience. Dark, peppery, with a wild, almost gamey character. It was fantastic with a hearty stew I made that night.
Of course, it couldn’t stop there. I had to taste more! I managed to find a bottle of Roussette de Savoie, made from the Altesse grape. This one was a bit richer, with notes of honey and apricot. It was delicious with some cheese and nuts.
Now, I’m not saying I’m a Savoie expert or anything, but I’ve definitely developed a deep appreciation for these under-the-radar wines. They’re a breath of fresh air – literally! If you’re looking for something different, something exciting, I highly recommend giving Savoie wines a try. You might just discover your new favorite.
So, that’s my Savoie wine journey so far. I’m still exploring, still learning, and still enjoying every sip. Cheers to that!
