Savoie Flashcards
Where is Savoie located?
E France, S of Switzerland and Lake Geneva. SE of Jura, E of Lyon and Bugey, NE of Northern Rhone.
What was the 1960s government policy aimed at revitalizing the Savoie region?
Changes to the school year to allow 2 weeks of holiday between January and March, staggered to give the Alpine region 6 weeks of visitors and create a hospitality industry.
What historical significance did the Duchy of Savoy hold?
Controlled all Alpine passes between Switzerland, Italy and France before the existence of France and Italy.
When was the Duchy of Savoy annexed by France?
1792.
Which kingdom claimed the Duchy of Savoy in 1815?
Kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia.
In what year did the Duchy of Savoy return to France?
1860.
What significant geological event occurred in 1248 in Savoie?
A mass of limestone sheared away from Mont Granier, creating a rockfall and mudslide that obliterated 5 villages.
What is the name of the landslide that occurred in 1248?
Abimes de Myans.
What wild vine variety is a forerunner of Mondeuse?
Vitis Allobrogica.
What is the role of the Centre d’Ampélographie Alpine Pierre Galet (CAAPG)?
To propagate rare and obscure Alpine grapes and lobby for their legal planting.
Who was Pierre Galet?
He evaluated vines for identification before genetic analysis.
What percentage of France’s supply of grafted grapevines does Savoie produce?
20%.
What three factors contributed to the rebirth of Savoie’s wine industry?
- Mechanisation
- Agrochemicals
- Ski tourism
What is the major lake in Savoie?
Lake Geneva (Lac Léman).
What type of climate does Savoie have?
Continental climate with alpine influences and substantial diurnal swings.
What are the important river valleys in Savoie?
- Dranse
- Arve
- Usses
- Isere
- Ain
- Rhône
What are the dominant soil types in Savoie?
- Clay
- Limestone
- Limestone-rich scree
What is the primary white grape of Savoie?
Jacquère.
Which grape variety is used for red, rosé, and crémant in Savoie?
Gamay.
What is the significance of Mondeuse Noire in Savoie?
Most important pre-phylloxera variety, used for red Savoie AOC and crus of Arbin and Saint-Jean-de-la-Porte.
Which grape variety is used in Roussette de Savoie and Seyssel?
Altesse.
What grape variety is found only in Haute-Savoie?
Chasselas.
What is the dominant pruning and training system in Savoie?
Échalas training.
What percentage of Savoie’s wine production is dry white wine?
70%.
What are the requirements for Savoie AOC wines?
All styles of wine using any authorised grapes; if varietal, must be 100% of the variety.
What grape must be a minimum of 40% in Crémant de Savoie?
Jacquère.
What is Roussette de Savoie AOC known for?
Dry, white wines from Altesse with 4 DGCs ‘crus’.
What is the composition of wine from Seyssel AOC?
- Dry Seyssel AOC: 100% Altesse
- Seyssel Molette: 100% Molette
- Sparkling Seyssel: min 75% Molette and min 10% Altesse.
Which wine regions border Bugey?
- Bourgogne
- Savie
- Jura
