Savoie
Wedged between France, Switzerland and Italy, Savoie is a landscape of soaring peaks, glacial lakes and impossibly steep vineyards. The wines are every bit as refreshing as the scenery suggests—bright and mineral, with crisp acidity and delicate perfume. From racy alpine whites to fragrant, peppery reds, this is mountain wine at its purest. Discover the alpine charm of Savoie, from traditional mountain estates to the new generation of growers championing its rare local varieties. Pack a bag. We're heading up.
Savoie, France
A duchy that only became French in 1860, Savoie still behaves like its own small country — alpine, stubborn, quietly gorgeous. Vines cling to glacial scree and limestone above Lac du Bourget, France's largest natural lake, on gradients that can hit fifty percent. That high, cold light is the whole trick: it keeps the wines tense, saline and bright. The grapes are locals you'll struggle to find anywhere else — zippy Jacquère, perfumed Altesse, dark-berried Mondeuse. Barely five percent of France's output, and most of it never leaves the valley. Which is exactly why it's worth chasing.