2021 Domaine Lupin 'Frangy' Roussette de Savoie

Bruno Lupin’s focus is on his Roussette de Savoie, which many regard as the premier definition of the altesse grape in Savoie. His village of Frangy lies outside of the main production area of Savoie, in the valley of a river called Les Usses. Rather than producing light, quaffable wines made with jacquère, as is the custom in the majority of Savoie, the vineyards in Frangy are predominantly planted with an indigenous grape called altesse, also known as roussette. The village is recognized as a privileged place for altesse. As such, it has the special status of cru de Savoie, one of four villages allowed the right to the Roussette de Savoie appellation with the village name. Within Frangy, Lupin’s estate vineyards all lie on a hillside called Les Aricoques. This slope is fully south-facing, protected from the harsh northerly winds. It captures the sun’s warmth so well that in a small thicket of brush and chestnut in the middle of the hill, cicadas sing in the summer months.

Working with altesse in this warmer microclimate in the village of Frangy, Bruno Lupin produces wines dramatically different from the average Savoie wine. Bruno’s wines are structured with the ability to develop elegantly in bottle for many years.

Winemaker Notes: A vibrant pale golden in colour. Look for spicy gingerbread aromas with hints of green apple. On the palate, creamy in texture with notes of nougat allied to yeasty flavours from the lees. This is a soft and mellow off-dry white with a whiplash of acidity. Would suit Chardonnay lovers.