Altesse

Altesse (or Roussette): Origins and Characteristics of a Unique Grape Variety

Altesse, also known as Roussette, is an emblematic grape of Savoie, famous for being behind the AOC Roussette de Savoie, one of the region’s most renowned white wines. With its delicate aromas and well-balanced structure, Altesse is a jewel of winegrowing in Savoie and the Bugey, offering a pure expression of the Alpine terroir. This article invites you to discover this unique grape by exploring its origins, its aromatic characteristics, its favored terroirs, and the best food pairings to enjoy with a white wine made from Altesse.

Description and Origins of Altesse (or Roussette)

Altesse, or Roussette, has its roots in the French Alps, specifically in Savoie, where it has been grown for centuries. According to legend, this grape was brought to the region by the Count of Savoie in the 14th century, carried back from Cyprus or the Piedmont region of Italy. Altesse stands out for its ability to ripen perfectly in cool mountain climates, producing wines with well-defined acidity and subtle aromas. Wines made from Altesse are often labeled under the AOC Roussette de Savoie or AOC Roussette du Bugey appellation, and when the wine comes from a particularly remarkable terroir, it may carry a specific name such as Roussette de Savoie Frangy, Monthoux, Marestel, or Monterminod. Although it enjoys a strong reputation in France, Altesse has gained little foothold abroad.

The Main Terroirs Where Altesse (or Roussette) Is Grown

Altesse (or Roussette) is grown mainly in the regions of Savoie and the Bugey in France, where it finds ideal conditions to express all its finesse and aromatic complexity. In Savoie, Altesse yields high-quality white wines that reflect the unique characteristics of these specific terroirs. These regions benefit from clay-limestone soils and a mountain climate that encourage the development of the grape’s aromas and refreshing acidity. The Bugey, neighboring Savoie, is also a key terroir for Altesse, producing elegant white wines under the AOC Roussette du Bugey appellation, prized for their structure and aging potential. Abroad, Altesse is also grown in small quantities in Switzerland, where it is used to make white wines that benefit from a climatic freshness similar to that of its home terroir, allowing a comparable expression of the grape.

Aromatic Characteristics of Altesse (or Roussette)

Altesse in a dry white wine:

Altesse in a sparkling white wine:

The Best Food Pairings with Altesse (or Roussette)

Follow all our tips and find the right recipe to create a perfect food pairing with a bottle of dry or sparkling white wine made from Altesse:

• For a regional pairing with raclette, go for a safe bet with a dry white wine from Savoie, from an estate or château in AOC Roussette de Savoie. With its invigorating freshness and notes of toasted hazelnut and citrus, these wines pair beautifully with cheese-based dishes like raclette or a Reblochon tartiflette.

• To go with salmon and vegetables, turn to a sparkling white from the Bugey, from an estate in AOC Bugey Mousseux. This appellation offers fresh, easy-drinking sparkling wines that reveal notes of white flowers, apricot, and vineyard peach, perfect for adding depth to your salmon or trout recipes.

• With festive dishes like foie gras or scallops, favor a dry white wine from an estate or château in AOC Savoie or AOC Bugey made from Altesse. The characteristic notes of Altesse (or Roussette), with their opulent texture and complex aromatic range, highlight these exceptional dishes without overpowering them.

Looking for a Savoie wine made from Altesse to go with raclette, or simply want to learn more about this little-known grape? At Avenue des Vins, we offer a wide selection of wines sourced directly from the estate or château of your choice, available for home delivery. Enjoy our bottles at the best value for money!

Altesse or Roussette: Two Names for the Same Grape

Altesse and Roussette refer to one and the same white grape. “Altesse” is its grape name, the one used by ampelographers; “Roussette” is the traditional name given to it in Savoie, referring to the golden, almost russet hue its clusters take on at full ripeness. On a label, then, the two terms point to the very same grape.

It is this name, Roussette, that the Savoie and Bugey appellations adopted: a Roussette de Savoie or a Roussette du Bugey is thus made entirely from Altesse. Be careful not to confuse it with Roussanne, which is a different grape.

The Savoie and Bugey Appellations Where Altesse Shines

Altesse is the grape behind several Alpine appellations, where it varies according to the terroir. Roussette de Savoie is its showcase: this dry white wine is made solely from Altesse. Four prime terroirs may add their name to the appellation as geographical designations: Frangy, Marestel, Monthoux, and Monterminod. These crus generally produce more concentrated wines, built for cellaring.

A little farther north, on both banks of the Rhône, the Seyssel appellation also puts Altesse center stage in its still whites and is known for its sparkling wines. Over in the Bugey, in the Ain, the Roussette du Bugey continues the same family of lively, floral whites. To explore all of these wines, the Savoie and Bugey region brings together Altesse cuvées alongside the other local specialties.

Serving and Storing an Altesse Wine

Serving temperature has a lot to say about the balance of an Altesse wine. Too cold, and it closes up and loses its floral aromas; too warm, and it seems heavy. For a dry white, aim for a range of 9 to 11 °C. The fuller cuvées, like certain Roussette de Savoie crus, benefit from being served around 11 to 12 °C to let the substance express itself. A sparkling wine from Savoie or the Bugey is served cooler, between 6 and 8 °C.

A young Altesse does not need to be decanted: just open it a little before the meal. The great cellaring cuvées, for their part, can handle a short time in a decanter to breathe. Serve it in a fairly narrow white-wine glass, which concentrates the grape’s delicate nose.

As for storage, keep the bottles lying down, away from light and heat, at a stable temperature. Thanks to its fine acidity, Altesse ages well: the simplest wines are best drunk within two to three years, while the fine cuvées from the best terroirs will keep for several years. Once the bottle is opened and recorked, drink it within two to three days, keeping it in the refrigerator.

Frequently asked questions about Altesse

Are Altesse and Roussette the same grape?

Yes, Altesse and Roussette are the same white grape, known by two names: “Altesse” as the grape name and “Roussette” as the traditional name in Savoie. Wines labeled Roussette de Savoie or Roussette du Bugey are therefore made from Altesse.

What is the difference between Roussette de Savoie and Seyssel?

Roussette de Savoie and Seyssel are both dry white wines made from Altesse. Roussette de Savoie covers a large part of the Savoie vineyard area and includes four crus (Frangy, Marestel, Monthoux, and Monterminod). Seyssel is a smaller appellation straddling both banks of the Rhône, known for its Altesse whites as well as its sparkling wines.

Does an Altesse white wine keep for a long time?

The simplest Altesse cuvées are best enjoyed within the two to three years following the vintage. Thanks to the grape’s natural acidity, wines from the best terroirs, especially the Roussette de Savoie crus, can be kept for several years.

Is Altesse a rare grape?

Altesse is a little-known grape, grown almost exclusively in Savoie and the Bugey, with a few plots in Switzerland. It remains uncommon elsewhere, which makes Altesse wines a distinctive Alpine specialty.