France — wine

Savoie Wine Region

Alpine wine region in southeastern France; glacially carved valleys between Mont Blanc and the Rhône. Cool mountain climate; limestone and schist soils at 250–500m. Jacquère (white) is the dominant variety — light, mineral, and Alpine-refreshing. Also Roussette (Altesse), Bergeron (Marsanne), and the indigenous red Mondeuse. Wines consumed locally with raclette and fondue traditions.

Year Rating Notes
2022 Alpine summer heat concentrated Mondeuse beautifully; Jacquère's granite mineral character intensely precise
2021 Good mountain vintage; Belluard Mondeuse showing depth and structure; alpine freshness well-preserved
2020 Outstanding Savoie vintage; Belluard Gringet and Mondeuse received highest critical scores; benchmark year
2019 Classic alpine profile; Jacquère crisp and mineral; Mondeuse structured with characteristic alpine herbs
2018 Warm for Savoie; Mondeuse riper than usual; mountain sites maintained freshness where valley floor struggled
2017 Good conditions; Belluard old-vine Jacquère showed extraordinary mineral intensity; Mondeuse aromatic and bright
2016 Superb Alpine vintage; Mondeuse and Gringet from this year considered finest of the decade at Domaine Belluard