The vineyard of Savoy is a big garden whose soils are the result of geological evolutions of the birth of the Alps and even for some sectors of the Jura chain on the territories of Chautagne. The great majority of the soils are composed of limestone (there are many varieties) but we can popularize it by speaking of "limestone scree" which by falling from the mountains form this terroir so favorable to white wines. We also find soils made up of glacial moraines, the remains of ancient glaciers which, as they retreated, planed the bottom of the valleys. There are also veins of clay, as in the Arbin area, known for its long-lasting red wines. Finally, marl, quartz, schist and many other varieties that you can discover by downloading the Terroir Study. Few wine regions can boast such a wide variety of grape varieties, 7 of which are unique in the world:
Altesse, Gringet, Jacquère, Mondeuse blanche, Mondeuse persan, Mondeuse noire
Chardonnay, Pinot and Gamay, originally from Burgundy, have acclimatized perfectly: they have taken on a Savoyard accent. The latest addition to the Savoy Wine range (September 2015), Crémant de Savoie is enjoying unparalleled success, thanks in particular to the indigenous grape varieties that are in the majority in its composition and bring it this incomparable freshness and finesse.
Typically Savoyard, it is the most widespread white grape variety. Its surface area currently represents about 40% of the Savoyard vineyard, i.e. 800 hectares. Vigorous vine, medium-sized bunches, unequal spherical berries. Abymes, Apremont, Chignin, Cruet, Jongieux et Saint-Jeoire-Prieuré
It covers an area of 90 hectares. Small cylindrical bunches, compact. Small spherical grains, amber yellow. The whole vineyard
This variety is only present in Haute-Savoie where it covers 80 hectares.Average vigor, rather large bunches, large spherical grapes. Crépy, Marignan, Marin, Ripaille
Typically Savoyard, there are only 23 hectares planted in Ayze, Bonneville, Marignier. Vigorous vine, medium-sized bunches, globular grapes. Ayze
Called in Savoy Bergeron. This grape variety is only planted in the communes of Chignin, Francin and Montmélian (100 hectares). Vigorous vine, medium bunches, medium spherical grapes. Chignin-Bergeron
This red grape variety covers 270 hectares. The trend is towards stability. Average vigor, medium bunches, ellipsoidal berries. Chautagne, Chignin, Jongieux…
Typically Savoyard, this variety is on the increase and covers about 240 hectares. Vigorous vine, rather large bunches, unequal spherical berries. Arbin, Chautagne, Chignin, Jongieux, Saint-Jean-de-la-Porte…
It covers an area of 100 hectares.vigorous vine, cylindrical bunches, small tightly packed grapes. Chautagne, Combe de Savoie, Chignin, Jongieux…
