Jean Vullien & Fils Cremant de Savoie Brut

The Savoie wine-growing region in eastern France boasts a rich and ancient history, rooted in its early inhabitants, the Celtic Allobroges tribe. Long before the Roman conquest, the Allobroges cultivated the ancient vine Vitis allobrogica, which was well-suited to the region's alpine climate. The area became part of the Roman province of Gallia Transalpina in the late 2nd century BC, marking the beginning of a significant period of viticultural development. The Romans were enamored with the local wines, which were known for their unique aromas. A dramatic event that shaped the region was the catastrophic landslide of Mont Granier in 1248, which buried several villages and created the unique terroirs of Abymes and Apremont, now renowned for their distinctive wines.

Over the centuries, Savoie experienced numerous political changes. Prior to becoming part of France, it was under the rule of the Kingdom of Italy. Savoie was officially annexed to France following the Treaty of Turin in 1860, which was an agreement between France and the Kingdom of Sardinia. This annexation integrated Savoie into the modern French state, but the region has maintained its distinct cultural and viticultural heritage. Today, Savoie's vineyards are known for their unique alpine wines, which reflect the region's diverse terroir and long history of wine production. The Savoie region is known for its diverse and unique grape varieties, contributing to the distinct character of its wines. Jacquère, the most widely planted grape, accounts for 50% of all plantings in Savoie. It produces lively, early-drinking wines with low alcohol content and a flavor profile ranging from floral notes to fruity and mineral nuances. Altesse, also known as Roussette, yields age-worthy wines that develop complex aromas over time. In their youth, Altesse wines feature flavors of fresh almonds, bergamot, pineapple, peach, and quince, which evolve into honey, toast, nuts, and white truffle with age. This variety is prominently used in the production of Roussette de Savoie AOC wines, which benefit from being aged for at least three years to reach their full potential. Together, these grape varieties highlight Savoie's unique terroir and winemaking traditions, making it a noteworthy region for wine enthusiasts.

Located in eastern France, the Savoie winegrowing region is characterized by its proximity to various bodies of water and majestic mountains, including Lake Geneva, Lake Annecy, Lake Bourget, and the Alps. Neighboring Switzerland to the east, Jura to the north, and the Rhone River to the west, Savoie encompasses 2,000 hectares of vineyards spread across the departments of Savoie, Haute-Savoie, Isère, and Ain. The region experiences a continental climate with alpine and Mediterranean influences. Most vines are planted on mountainsides, ranging up to 1,800 feet above sea level, where the abundant water bodies help moderate the climate. Despite the alpine location, Savoie’s vineyards enjoy a warm microclimate, allowing a diverse range of grape varieties to thrive.

Savoie's wine production represents less than 1% of France’s total, with 70% of this being white wines dominated by Jacquère, Altesse, and Chasselas varieties. Other whites like Gringet, Marsanne, Molette, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay are also grown. Red wines are primarily produced from Mondeuse and Persan, along with Pinot Noir, Gamay, Poulsard, and small amounts of Cabernet Franc. Sparkling wines are permitted throughout the region, with Bugey being particularly renowned for its bubbly offerings. The region’s fragmented vineyard landscape results in a mosaic of terroirs, contributing to the distinctive character of Savoie wines. Modern winemaking techniques and passionate local vintners have elevated Savoie wines from simple ski chalet beverages to compelling and food-friendly wines with great aging potential.