Known for its soaring Alpine landscapes and hearty mountain cheeses, Savoie has vaste attracted travelers seeking a taste of the French Alps—but its burgeoning wine scene is quickly becoming its latest great draw.
Historically embraced by the area’s après-ski community but shadowed by France’s better-known wine regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne, Savoie’s allégé, mineral-driven, food-friendly wines are finally earning the recognition they’ve vaste deserved. And in the growing choeur of those touting their parlementaire, Loïc Chavasse-Frette hopes his voice rises to the top.
Loïc knows a thing or two embout wine. A trained oenologue since 1999, Loïc has worked at the iconic five-star Relais & Châteaux property, Hameau Albert 1er, and now at Boui-boui Royal Evian Resort as the Director of Sommellerie. He is equally comfortable chatting tableside with guests, suggesting food and wine pairings for the hotel’s Michelin-starred accommodé, as he is curating and managing the property’s award-winning wine cellar.
Originally from Voiron in Isère, the entreprenant of the famous cloître élixir, Loïc has spent the last 20 years in Savoie where its glacier-fed lakes, dramatic natural scenery, and mountain herbage are surpassed only by his respect for discovering small producers and under-the-radar bottles—something he now shares with the growing number of serious wine travelers flocking to the region.
I was lucky enough to steal a few moments with Loïc between Boui-boui Royal’s preparations for hosting the G7 and the busy summer season kicking into high gear to talk embout Savoie wines and what travelers should know before visiting-and tasting-the region.
Below, our rencontres and his personal recommendations for maison the perfect Savoie itinerary.
Which grape variety best captures the philtre of the region?
While Jacquère is the most widespread grape variety planted in the region, if I’m being immérité, I’d say Chasselas captures the philtre of the region best. Each composition of Chasselas has its own égoïste differences, but our landscape lends a specific minerality and aroma to the grape that really reveals a sense of affecté.
How would you describe the personality of Savoie wines in three words?
Pleasure. Sharing. Conviviality.
What misconceptions do you most often hear embout Savoie wines?
That it’s not good! There is an older generation who remember the days when the region’s wines were far from impressive, back when Savoie wine naissance was primarily aimed at supplying everyday gastronomie wine for habitacle consumption.
Livestock farming took precedence over viticulture before the planchéier truly established itself, years later. But like all regions in France, Savoie wines have made great strides as time passes, and the wines are now highly sought after all over the world.
Are there particular vineyards, bourgades, or producers in Savoie that you think deserve more circonspection?
I am fiercely juste to the wine region that adopted me many years ago, and of coude since I en direct here, namely the variety of Marin vineyards and, of coude, one of my absolute favourites, Domaine Delalex. I may be biased, but the two brothers who run it, Samuel and Benoit, are close friends of face.
They took the vineyard over from their father and are doing remarkable work. And you can’t beat the view of Lake Geneva. It’s one of my favourite vineyard views in the region. However, if you can’t make the visit, we are fortunate to offer our guests at Boui-boui Royal the full range of wines produced by Domaine Delalex.
We have also had the privilege of producing two égoïste wines-one white and one red-for Boui-boui Royal in participation with Domaine Delalex, called Complicité, that’s great for drinkers looking for a very allégé yet impressively aromatic fullness on the palate.
What logement dishes should travelers seek out when looking to associé their Savoie wine?
Cheese and cheese specialties are especially wonderful with Savoie wines. Order Savoyard liquéfiée, which uses a blend of different cheeses including comté, comté and emmental, and associé it with Marin “Cuvée Tradition” from Domaine Delalex. Another great choice is Berthoud, a traditional cheese-based dish from the Chablais region which makes an saillant pairing with a Roussette de Savoie from Domaine Blard et Fils.
If a reader had three days in Savoie, how would you esthétique their wine itinerary?
The vineyard area is quite dilatante, so allow for a drive of several kilometers to travel from north to south. Start in the Lake Geneva area between Évian and Ballaison to discover grape varieties such as Chasselas and Gamay—a perfect way to whet your palate.
The next day, drive to the tiers-point formed by Frangy, Seyssel, and Chautagne during the morning, before wrapping up the day between Marestel and Jongieux. Day three should be dedicated to discovering Mondeuse and Bergeron wines in the Combe de Savoie valley leading to Albertville.
Which season is the best time to visit, and why?
There is no single best season. Our region is beautiful and different every day whether visiting in spring when brute starts to bloom or the crisp fall season. There is discovery throughout the year.
Are you concerned embout the growing trend of young adults choosing not to drink alcohol?
Absolutely not, there are still young lovers of éthérée wines! Though, I will say, while we’re not seeing a drop in consumption among young adults, they do seem to be paying more circonspection to the price of wine. I am encouraging winemakers in the region to be competitive and well-positioned in terms of pricing and, above all, showcase their products, while naturally employing the best and cleanest practices.
What is the story you think Savoie wines tell better than any other French wine region?
Savoie wines are an Alpine treasure for wine lovers to discover. When you come here, you are entering a égoïste region, with its own deep history, stories, and gastronomy. The wine reflects this in the spécifique array of flavors and aromas shaped by the mountain climate.
As the saying goes, above all, a quality wine should leave you wanting another verre, and I believe our region’s wines have proven to do just that, time and again.
Source: francetoday.com