Savoie and Bugey Flashcards
Why did mountain populations such as in Savoie decline in the 20th Century?
The constraints of climate and topography prevented vignerons from competing on a cost basis with sunnier, flatter, warmer parts of France.
What did the Fench government do in the 1960’s to revive regions in the mountains such as Savoie?
Focussed on winter recreations. It introduced new winter school holidays and stimulated a huge hospitality industry.
How much of Savoie’s wine production is sold in France?
95% of which most is consumed in Savoie on the ski slopes.
How many authorised grapes are there in Savoie?
Over 20
Why are there so many authorised grapes in Savoie?
The Duchy of Savoy controlled all the Alpine passages which were a nexus for exchange of products, people, ideas and grapevines.
Which tribe inhabited Savoie in ancient times and tended a cold-hardy grapevine?
The Allobrogica. The vine was later named Vitis Allobrogica by the Romans and is now thought to be the forerunner of Mondeuse?
When was the Duchy of Savoy annexed by France?
1792
When was the Duchy of Savoy claimed by the Kingdom of Piedmonte-Sardinia?
1815
When was the Duchy of Savoy reclaimed by France?
1860
When did Savoie wine production reach its peak and which style?
In the 19th century, mostly red.
Why did the Savoie industry experience downturn from late 19th to 20th century?
The railway bringing cheaper, riper wine from South of France, Mildews, Phylloxera, WW1, WW2
What does Savoie contribute to viticultural development in France?
Following Phylloxera it began to plant hybrids as the rest of France did. However they set up nurseries to grow them. They contribute 20% (30 M) of France’s grafted vines p.a.
What is known as the Savoyard Pompeii?
In 1248 a large mass of limestone sheared away from Mont Granier, initiated a rockfall and mudslide which wiped out five villages and 4000 people.
What name was given to the Mont Granier landslide?
Abymes de Myans.
Which vineyards are planted on the site of the landslide?
Abymes and part of Apremont.
What is the CAAPG?
It is the Centre D’Ampelographie Alpine Pierre Galet.
What is the role of the CAAPG?
It propogates rare and obscure alpine grapes and lobbies to have them registered so they can be legally planted. They seek to preserve Savoie’s viticultural heritage.
Who was Pierre Galet?
A renowned French ampelograher who identified many varieties by physical evaluation before DNA
What major shifts changed the Savoie wine industry from cottage industry?
Mechanisation and Agrochemicals;
Tourism;
Global warming allowing planting on higher slopes.
Where is Savoie located in France?
In Eastern France, south of Switzerland and Lake Geneva. It is SE of Jura, East of Lyon and Bugey and NE of the Northern Rhone Valley.
What is the climate of Savoie?
It is Continental with Alpine influences.
Describe the climate in Savoie.
It has high continentality. Winter is extremely cold. Summer days can be very hot but the cool air descending from the mountain at night gives a high diurnal range.
How much rainfall and sunshine does Savoie receive?
Its sunshine hours are circa 1800 in the growing season. Rain can fall throughout the summer but harvest is usually dry.
Why are there a range of mesoclimates in Savoie?
Mountains, valleys and lakes as well as vineyard aspect create a wide range of mesoclimates.
What are the climate hazards in Savoie?
Frosts in spring, and rainfall which can bring excessive weeds and fungal pressures.
How was Savoie topography and geology formed?
When the Alpine glaciers retreated they left large valleys full of moraines and rock debris.
Where are most Savoie vineyards planted?
In the “footprints” of the glaciers. They are on the shores of Lake Geneva, the foothills of the the pre-alps and many river valleys.
What is the aspect and elevation of the Savoie vineyards?
South and South-East facing to maximise warmth and sunlight. Most lie between 250-400 m asl. Any higher increases frost risk.
What are the soils of Savoie?
Mainly clay, limestone and limestone-rich scree. Alluvium and molasse also present.
