Savoie Flashcards
Where is Savoy in France
eastern French alpine region on the border with both Switzerland and Italy, sometimes Anglicized to Savoy,
What was the Govenment policy for Savoy in 1960s
two weeks of vacation between the months of January and March.
->give the Alpine regions a solid six weeks of visitors
Who or what was Duchy of Savoy?
From 1416 to 1792
Independent region
Reached From Lyon to Nice, Switzerland to Milan
Controlled all the Alpine passes between Switzerland, Italy and France
Annexed by France in 1792
What was the “Savoyard Pompeii”
In 1248, after heavy and prolonged rains, a mass of limestone sheared away from Mont Granier and initiated a rockfall and mudslide that completely obliterated five villages at its base. The destruction spanned 25 km² and is very much akin to a Savoyard Pompei, except there were no remains-just rubble. The land did not begin to be cleared and replanted to the vine until the 1700s.
This landslide was given a name: Abymes de Myans. (Abymes translates as “abyss.”) Part of Apremont’s and all of Abymes’ vineyards are planted atop the Mont Granier landslide.
Identify the two villages growing grapes atop the Granier Landslide
Apremont
Abymes
What is the wild vine variety that is thought be a forerunner of Mondeuse
Vitis Allobrogica
In ancient times, the Allobroges
tribe occupied Savoie and tended a native Vine that was resistant to cold. The Romans named this vine Vitis Allobrogica–a vine that experts now believe to the forerunner of Mondeuse.
What is the role of the Centre d’Ampélographie Alpine Pierre Galet
Since 2007, the Centre d’Ampélographie Alpine Pierre Galet (C.A.A.P.G.) has been working to preserve Savoie’s viticultural heritage. The CAAPG not only propagates rare and obscure Alpine grapes, it successfully lobbies to get them listed on the French register of grape varieties
What is Savoie’s unique and on-going contribution to French viticulture
Savoie’s grapevine nurseries
What are the three factors that led to the rebirth of Savoie’s wine industry
Interest in native varieties (CAAPG) and lighter wines
Winter tourism
New tractors/tools
Which are the important river valleys in the Savoie region
Dranse, Arve, Usses, Isère, Ain and Rhône
Which is Savoie’ major lake
Lake Geneva (Lac Leman)
What is the general climate of Savoie and the factors responsible for its many meso-climates
continental with alpine influences
Long periods of rain are common in summer
cool air descending from mountain peaks creates substantial diurnal temperature swings.
Topographical features such as mountains, valleys and lakes, as well as various vineyard aspects, contribute to a wide range of mesoclimates.
What are geologic factors that influence the Savoyard topography
The glaciers of the last lce Age shaped large valleys
What are the main soils of Savoie
Vineyard soils are largely clay, limestone and limestone-rich scree; however, alluvium and molasse are present also.
List the most important grape varieties of Savoie
Jacquère
Altesse
Chasselas
Roussanne
Molette
Ginget
Chardonnay
Mondeuse Noir
Persan
Gamay
Pinot Noir
What is the Savoie’s dominant pruning system and training system
On steep slopes, vines are trained on a single stake known as échalas.
Echalas-training is particularly common for Mondeuse, but is also used for Roussanne and Altesse.
On less steep slopes, more modern training methods are used including some that even allow for mechanization. The most common training method is single Guyot.
What are the three AOCs of Savoie, the grapes they utilize, and the styles of wine produced
Savoie AOC- largest - different styles/grapes
Roussette de Savoie A0C.- dry white from Altesse
Seyssel AOC-dry and sparkling white from Altesse, Molette and Chasselas.
Identify the three wine regions that border Bugey
Bourgogne, Savoie and Jura
Which grape accounts for 50% of plantings
Jacquere
Which is more planted - Gamay or Mondeuse
Equal = both at 13.6%
How much Altesse is planted
around 9%
Which river flows south along the Western border of Savoie?
Saône
L’Isère
Rhône
Léman
Rhone
What additional influences are there on the continental climate of Savoie?
Maritime
Mediterranean
Alpine
Mistral wind
Alpine
In which year was the Mont Granier landslide?
1024
1248
1428
1824
1248
Who was the French head of state when Savoie finally became a part of France?
Napoléon I
Robespierre
Louis XVI
Louis Philippe I
Napoléon III
Napoléon III
What is the traditional vine training system for Savoy slopes
Echala
Single stake - used because of steepness
Mondeuse (but also Roussane and Altesse)
Describe vineyard soils in Savoy
Largely clay and limestone with a limestone rich scree
Alluvium and molasse are also present
Savoy wines are overwhelmingly red - True or False
False = 70% white
Generally, what are the soils of Savoie?
Volcanic
Clay and Limestone
Granite
Schist
Clay and Limestone
Which Savoie grape varieties commonly use échalas for vine training? Select all that apply.
Mondeuse Noire
Chasselas
Gringet
Roussanne
Altesse
Persan
Mondeuse Noire, Altesse and Roussanne
…because of steep hillsides
..best for vines with a sprawling habit
If you found a bottle of Vin de Savoie Mondeuse - what % of Mondeuse would you expect
100%
Is Cremant de Savoie a separate AOC
No
It is a style within Vin de Savoie
What are the blending rules for a Cremant de Savoie
Greater than 40% Jacquere
Greater than 60% Jacquere and Altesse
Can include up to 20% principal reds vinified as white
Methode traditionelle
Min 9/12 lees aging
How many DGCs in Savoie AOC
16
Traditionally referred to as Crus
