Jean Perrier & Fils Roussette de Savoie “Cuvee Gastronomie”
WHY WE LOVE IT
- The wine of Savoie is a unique tradition in the French wine world and is internationally recognized.
- The vineyard for the Roussette de Savoie “Cuvee Gastronomie” is on the western shores of the Lac du Bourget, between the Rhône and the lake, on the foothills of the Mont du Chat. It is South-facing, at a height of 220 m, on the well-known communes of Marestel, Monthoux and Combe de Savoie.
- The Altesse variety is grown on 200 Hectares, with soils of clay and limestone.
Varietal Composition: 100% Altesse
Elaboration: The grapes are hand-harvested and pressed. After cold settling, the clari ed must ferments at a controlled temperature, between 16 and 18°./nThe wine is then kept in traditional vats until it is bottled.
Tasting Notes:“A richly styled white, with attractive notes of lemon pulp and warm apple, plus a hint of grilled pineapple. Everything is washed over with refreshing saline brininess and a wall of minerals. A kiss of honey and salted butter adds to the richness, and there’s a waft of smoke on the savory, tangy finish. The pronounced oak will integrate with time. Drink now through 2028. 4,500 cases made, 675 cases imported.” – Kristen Bieler, Wine Spectator, 8/24.
PRESS
2022 – 90 Wine Spectator
2023 – 91 Wine Spectator
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
The history of Jean Perrier goes back a long time. It begins in 1853, when Catherin Perrier buys a cellar in St. Andre Les Maches and plants vineyards in the foothills of Mount Granier. Her son, Claude Emile Perrier, purchases a second cellar in 1911. A trader and grape grower, Claude begins delivering wine to local cafe’s and restaurants. By 1947, Claude’s grandson, Jean Victor Perrier, extends the family’s land holdings and is the first to bottle wine from this area with Savoie on the label. Jean Victor Perrier’s son and current President, Gilbert Perrier, begins working at the family winery in 1964.
The 1970’s saw the winery become incorporated and the installation of their first bottling line, as well as, one big development; Savoie becomes an offical Appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC). The early 1980’s was a time of transition as Gilbert’s two eldest sons, Philippe and Christophe joined the family business. One decade later, Gilbert’s youngest son, Gilles, joined his brothers in vinification, administration, and marketing roles. The past 20 years have seen an expansion of vineyard holdings (59 hectares today) and new varietals planted in addition to Jacquère, with Gamay, Mondeuse, and Chignin Bergeron becoming more and more popular.