The white grape varieties of Savoie have always been well-kept gems in the French Alps. Among them, Roussette de Savoie shines in a unique way. In this article, we'll delve into the world of this white wine from Savoie and discover everything you need to know about this winemaking gem.
1. Introduction of a star Savoyard wine
Roussette de Savoie is a dry white wine from Savoie that deserves pride of place in your wine cellar. But what makes this wine so special? What are the secrets behind every bottle of Roussette? Taste a well-made Roussette and you'll experience a unique experience that transcends the borders of the Savoie region.
2. The Art of Viticulture in Savoie
Vine growing in Savoie is much more than just an agricultural activity. It's an art passed down from generation to generation. Vineyards, like our estate in Chignin, are living testaments to this ancestral tradition. They are located in a unique environment, on the slopes of Bauges, Chartreuse, and Marestel, on the edge of the Alpine mountains. You will discover how this environment influences the distinctive character of Roussette de Savoie.
3. Characteristics of the Roussette de Savoie
Roussette is renowned for its freshness, balanced acidity, and complex yet subtle aromatic profile of white-fleshed fruit, citrus, and floral notes. We'll guide you through a virtual tasting to help you uncover these fascinating nuances.
4. The Terroir of Savoie: Land Blessed with White Wines
The Savoie terroir is one of the keys to Roussette's success. The mineral-rich and varied soils, the alpine climate, and the varying altitudes create an environment conducive to the freshness of the grapes.
- The Winemaking Process
The winemaking process is a crucial step in the creation of Roussette de Savoie. Each bottle reflects the winemakers' expertise, from careful grape selection to fermentation and aging.
5. The Perfect Pairing: Roussette de Savoie and Cuisine
Roussette is much more than just a wine to be enjoyed on its own. It's an ideal companion for a variety of dishes, and its unique flavor profile makes it an excellent option for many food and wine pairings. Let's discover how to pair Roussette de Savoie.
Seafood: A Marine Harmony
Seafood and Roussette make a modern duo. The freshness and acidity of Roussette perfectly complement the delicate flavors of seafood, whether grilled scallops, fresh oysters, or garlic shrimp.
Mountain Cuisine: An Earthly Accord
If you find yourself in the Alps, Roussette de Savoie pairs wonderfully with mountain dishes. Local cheeses, such as Tomme de Savoie or Beaufort, strike a perfect balance with Roussette. The acidity of the wine balances the richness of the cheese.
Desserts: A Sweet Ending
Although Savoyard white wine is primarily a dry wine, Roussette can also be paired with certain desserts. Fruity desserts, such as apple tart or poached pear, pair well with its subtle profile. Avoid overly sweet desserts, which will overwhelm the delicate nuances of Roussette.
Your Gastronomic Adventure with this Savoy wine
Pairing Roussette with food is a culinary adventure to explore. Each dish offers a new opportunity to discover the diversity of this wine. When enjoying a bottle of Roussette de Savoie , don't hesitate to experiment with different dishes to find your favorite combinations. Whether paired with fresh seafood, Savoyard cheeses, or spicy dishes, this Savoyard wine invites you on an unforgettable culinary journey.
6. The Grape Varieties that Make Up Roussette
Roussette is made from an emblematic local grape variety: Altesse.
7. The AOC Roussette de Savoie
The AOC Roussette is the first AOC created in Savoie in 1946. Well before the generic AOC Vin de Savoie (year 1973).
8. The Conservation and Aging of this Savoy wine
Roussette is a white wine from Savoie that deserves to be forgotten for a while.
Optimal Storage
Proper storage is the first step in preserving the freshness of Roussette de Savoie. Here's what you need to know:
- Temperature: Store your Rousette at a constant temperature of around 12°C to 14°C. Avoid temperature fluctuations, as these can alter the wine.
- Light: Protect bottles from direct sunlight and strong light sources. Store them in a dark place or use opaque wine racks.
- Humidity: The ideal relative humidity is between 70% and 75%. This ensures that the corks remain in good condition and prevents premature oxidation.
- Position: Store bottles of this wine lying down to maintain contact between the cork and the wine, thus preventing the cork from drying out.
Retention Period
Roussette de Savoie is generally consumed young to enjoy its aromatic freshness. However, if you wish to explore the flavors that develop over time, you can age your Roussette for a few years. An aging period of 4 to 10 years is often recommended for an optimal balance between youth and complexity.
9. La Roussette, a Savoy wine recognized throughout the world
The reputation of Roussette extends far beyond the borders of Savoie.
10. The Quality Award: Budget and Rousette de Savoie
La Roussette offers a variety of choices for every budget, from 5 to 50 euros per bottle. Choose from organic, biodynamic, natural, young, or aged wines.
11. The Roussette: An Evolving History
The history of this Savoyard wine is fascinating and rich in significant events. It has evolved over the centuries to become the icon it is today. You will discover how this wine has survived through the ages, through periods of glory and decline.
12. Conclusion: Roussette de Savoie, a wine of the future
Roussette de Savoie is much more than just a dry white wine from Savoie. It's a unique experience, with a rich history and characterful terroirs like Marestel, Frangy or on the southern slopes of Savoy. By diving into its world, you will discover a palette of flavors, subtle, very often very fresh, difficult to find with other grape varieties. Roussette is a wine with great potential, and we encourage you to discover it and appreciate it at its true value.