Savoie white wine

In the heart of the French Alps, the Savoie vineyards offer a unique range of white wines. Long overlooked by the general public, Savoie white wines are now enjoying a revival, thanks to improving quality, dynamic wineries, and the richness of the Alpine terroir. Freshness, minerality, floral and fruity aromas… Savoie white wines truly deserve a spot at the table of even the most discerning wine lovers.

An Alpine Vineyard with varied terrois, perfect for white wines

The Savoie vineyard spans nearly 2,000 hectares, mainly across the Savoie and Haute-Savoie departments. Nestled between the Bauges and Chartreuse mountain ranges and near Lake Bourget, it benefits from a diverse range of soils (clay-limestone, schist, glacial moraines) and sun exposures, reaching up to 500 meters in altitude. While Savoie also produces excellent red wines, it is predominantly a white wine region (about 70% of production), known for light, fresh, and mineral-driven wines. Notable appellations include Vin de Savoie AOC, Roussette de Savoie AOC, and Chignin-Bergeron AOC, each showcasing the unique character of the region’s indigenous grape varieties.

Key White Grape Varieties of Savoie

The richness of Savoie white wines comes from little-known native grape varieties, which have adapted beautifully to the Alpine climate:

• Jacquère: the flagship grape of Savoie, producing fresh, light, lively wines with notes of white flowers and citrus, perfectly thirst-quenching.
• Altesse (also known as Roussette): creates fuller-bodied wines that age well, with floral, white fruit, and dried fruit (hazelnut, almond) notes.
• Bergeron (local name for Roussanne): grown on the slopes of Chignin, yields rich, expressive wines with yellow fruit and sometimes exotic fruit aromas.
• Gringet, Molette, Chardonnay, and Mondeuse Blanche also contribute to the region’s white varietals.

Flagship Savoie Appellations

Rousette de Savoie AOC
Exclusively made from the Altesse grape, this appellation produces refined wines with subtle floral notes, white fruits, and well-defined acidity. Crus such as Frangy, Marestel, and Monthoux are known for their distinctiveness and aging potential.

Chignin-Bergeron AOC
On the steep slopes of Chignin, this wine reveals the full potential of Roussanne. These whites are full-bodied and complex, with yellow fruit, ripe fruit, honeyed touches, and slight bitterness. They are excellent food wines with good aging potential.

Savoie AOC
A regional appellation encompassing a wide range of terroirs and grape varieties. It offers approachable, fruity white wines, ideal as an aperitif or served with white meats, fish, or local cheeses like raclette.

Best Food pairings with Savoie Wines

Thanks to their alpine freshness, Savoie white wines pair wonderfully with both regional and modern cuisine:

• With lake fish (pike, perch): go for a lively, citrusy Jacquère.
• Fondue or raclette: pair with a Chignin-Bergeron or Roussette de Savoie to cut through the richness of the cheese.
• White meats or creamy poultry dishes: a round, opulent Chignin-Bergeron is a great match.
• For dessert: sparkling Savoie wines add elegance to fruit tarts with white or yellow fruits.

Savoie : a Region in full revival

Savoie white wine is no longer just a ski-resort drink or a holiday souvenir, it now proudly stands on top restaurant wine lists, championed by a new generation of winemakers. The region’s top producers are innovating while respecting tradition. With a deeper understanding of terroir, sustainable practices, and growing technical precision, Savoie wines are now appreciated for their increasingly sought-after styles.

Refined, lively, and aromatic, Savoie white wines deserve a prime spot in every wine cellar. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing aperitif, the perfect pairing for raclette, or a white for fine dining, these wines deliver a signature profile of tension and aromatic richness. Discover the treasures of the Savoie terroir through our curated selection on Avenue des Vins and enjoy outstanding bottles with excellent value for money.

FAQ - Savoie white wines

What are the main grape varieties in Savoie white wines?

Savoie white wines rely mainly on jacquère, which gives fresh, light wines, altesse (also called roussette), fuller-bodied and age-worthy, and bergeron, the local name for roussanne. Gringet, molette, chardonnay and mondeuse blanche round out the region's white blend.

What is the difference between Roussette de Savoie and Chignin-Bergeron?

Roussette de Savoie is made exclusively from the altesse grape and shows finesse, with floral notes and lively acidity. Chignin-Bergeron comes from roussanne (bergeron) and gives fuller, more complex wines with yellow-fruit aromas and a honeyed touch.

Which Savoie white wine goes with raclette or fondue?

With raclette or a Savoyard fondue, a Chignin-Bergeron or a Roussette de Savoie cuts through the richness of the cheese. With lake fish such as pike or perch, a lively, citrusy jacquère is the better match.

Are Savoie white wines suitable for ageing?

Most jacquère wines are best enjoyed young, for their freshness and liveliness. Altesse wines and roussanne-based Chignin-Bergeron, however, have real ageing potential, as do certain Roussette crus such as Frangy, Marestel and Monthoux.

What are the appellations for Savoie white wines?

The main appellations are Vin de Savoie AOC, regional, approachable and fruity, Roussette de Savoie AOC, made only from altesse, and Chignin-Bergeron AOC, from roussanne. The vineyard covers nearly 2,000 hectares across Savoie and Haute-Savoie.