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SAVOY<br />
APPELLATION<br />
graceful and boasts finesse and the kind of hallmark<br />
roundness that export markets are very<br />
fond of”. The winery showcases two harmonious<br />
labels, Château de Monterminod and Fleur d’Altesse<br />
with its appealing nose gifted with floral<br />
notes and a fleshy, concentrated palate that is<br />
very lively. Its intense, exotic characters flow into<br />
a spicier finish. “Savoy is known for Jacquère,<br />
which is very widespread in our region”, adds<br />
Perrier. “Altesse follows in its wake and piques<br />
people’s curiosity, attracting consumers with a<br />
penchant for dry, fruity and very aromatic white<br />
wines. Their freshness and complexity definitely<br />
offer something for lovers of fine fare and for an<br />
international audience looking for new sensations<br />
and simple pleasures that can be shared<br />
with good food. Its production remains limited,<br />
however, particularly because it is heavily<br />
dependent upon weather conditions”.<br />
ALEXANDRE PERRIER, THE CELLAR MASTER AT THE FAMILY-<br />
OWNED DOMAINE PERRIER<br />
ROUSSETTE, THE FULL-FLEDGED<br />
RANGE STAPLE<br />
Roussette de Savoie’s reputation has grown apace<br />
over the past few years and it has successfully<br />
moved beyond the seasonal, holiday markets.<br />
It has also broken away from the traditional<br />
pairings with local cheese-based speciality foods,<br />
like raclette or tartiflette. “Altesse has its own<br />
trademark identity and characteristics stemming<br />
from Alpine vineyard sites. It is less vegetal<br />
than Sauvignon but just as powerful”, comments<br />
Franck Berkulès from the CIVS. “Compared with<br />
Chardonnay, it has a little extra fruit which shines<br />
through even with no oak influence”.<br />
In the extensive fresh, fruity white wine space,<br />
Roussette de Savoie is now a full-fledged range<br />
staple. Its winegrowers are working hard to raise<br />
awareness and create an impactful image for their<br />
industry with increasingly noticeable elegant,<br />
delicate pours. With price tags that are still reasonable,<br />
it has an edge over the competition, despite<br />
the fact that volumes are still fairly low, particularly<br />
for export markets. But then, the greatest<br />
pleasures are always worth fighting for…<br />
DOMAINE DU CHÂTEAU DE MONTERMINOD<br />
SPRING 2024 • GILBERT & GAILLARD - THE FRENCH EXPERTS ON WINE<br />
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