Vin de Savoie (often written simply as "Savoie") is the main appellation of the Savoie region in the far east of France. This mountainous region located west of the Alps has distinctive wine styles that are rarely seen outside their territory of origin. Most are Dry white wines made from the Altesse, Jacquère and Chasselas grapes. Savoy wines are often described as distinctly "alpine", citing their fresh, Mineral characteristics.
The AOC Vin de Savoie was created in 1973, along with the appellation Roussette de Savoie, which covers the region's Altesse grape wines. Wines labelled simply as Savoie or Vin de Savoie, without an associated cru name, can be white, red, rosé and even Sparkling. White wines are dominated by the most common grape variety in Savoie, Jacquere, but may also contain Chardonnay, Aligote, Mondeuse Blanche, Veltliner Rouge Precoce, Chasselas, Gringet and Altesse. To complicate matters, Marsanne and Verdesse are also allowed, but only in the administrative department of Isère.
However, this represents only a tiny fraction of the appellation's surface area.
Jacquère is the most widespread grape variety in Savoie. It has medium-sized bunches that are cylindrical-conical. They are compact and often winged. The berries are medium-sized and can be slightly elongated or spherical, with thick skins that turn from yellowish green to golden yellow to a slightly pinkish hue when fully ripe. The soft flesh of the fruit of this variety is tart but not very juicy. Jacquère has a budding process almost identical to that of Chasselas. With a semi-erect growth habit, this white variety is vigorous and fertile, and should be pruned short to be more productive. It thrives on clay-limestone soils as well as on stony scree. Grey rot and black rot are the main enemies of Jaquère. It can cope with oidium and mildew. This variety produces a light, pale, acidic and lively wine with a floral aroma. It should be consumed quickly.
wines from the region of Vin de Savoie go well with generally quite well with dishes of beef, lamb or spicy food such as recipes of roast monkfish with bacon, lamb chops with tarragon cream or honey chicken wok style.
On the nose in the region of Vin de Savoie often reveals types of flavors of citrus fruit, citrus or minerality and sometimes also flavors of earth, tree fruit or microbio. In the mouth in the region of Vin de Savoie is a with a nice freshness.
