Fruit
Earth
Acid
Body
Minerality
With a wealth of indigenous varietals and a distinct alpine voice, Savoie may be the most underappreciated French wine region. Given its high elevation and cold climate, it’s a white wine lover’s paradise. The quality of Savoie wine has never been better, and there is no doubt in my mind that Domaine Les Aricoques will become an influential address in Savoie. 2021 marks their inaugural vintage and this is hands down the finest example of an old vine Altesse (aka Roussette) I’ve ever had. Subtle aromas of quince, elderflower, chalk, marjoram, and chamomile gently evolve from the glass. The palate steals the show with a fresh, polished acidity that introduces a mineral-rich, light and juicy body that finishes bone dry with food friendly notes of lemon pulp, wet stones and a saline undertone leaving behind a lasting impression. If you’re already a fan of the region, this bottling feels like a continuation of the work done by the late, great, Dominique Belluard. As is the case with all impactful wine, total production for this Altesse is a mere 2,400 bottles.
Country
France
Sub-Region
Roussette de Savoie
Region
Savoie
Varieties
Altesse
Farming
Biodynamic
Soil
Glacial moraine
Winemaking
Direct pressing, settling in 12 hours. Fermentation in 400L 4-5 year old barrel, aged 1 year on the lees, no filtration before bottling.