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Roussette de Savoie

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Roussette de Savoie
The AOC-protected Roussette de Savoie vineyards cover around 1,300 hectares in the Savoie and Haute-Savoie départements. They produce almost 100,000 hectolitres a year, 80% of which is white wine. The Roussette de Savoie AOC was granted by decree in 1973. Four areas of the Roussette de Savoie appellation can claim a cru name: Frangy, Marestel, Monterminod and Monthoux.

Roussette de Savoie is a white wine made exclusively from the Roussette (or Altesse) grape variety. The origin of this variety can be traced back to the Crusader Count de Mareste, who brought it from Cyprus. Today, Roussette is a typical grape variety of the terroir, rich and aromatic, and is used to make the tender wines of Roussette de Savoie.

Among the producers of Roussette de Savoie, there are a number of houses that play a particularly important role in building the reputation of these wines. These include Domaine Louis Magnin and Domaine Dupasquier.

Roussette de Savoie is a fresh wine with subtle aromas of violets, reminiscent of hawthorn. But this exceptional wine also has nuances of honey, apricot and hazelnut. Rousette de Savoie has the maximum aromas of the grape. When young, Roussette de Savoie white wine is particularly exquisite.

After a few years' cellaring, this astonishingly high-quality wine goes well with a wide range of recipes. Gratin, tart, cheese, Savoyard fondue, tartiflette, shellfish, raw vegetables, salad... it also goes well with aperitifs or fish.


The Rousette de Savoie appellation is reserved for dry white wines. Rousette de Savoie Frangy is produced in the Usses valley in Haute-Savoie, with vines facing south or southeast. The white wine cru Maresel covers the communes of Jongieux and Lucey. The west-facing vines, at an altitude of 500 m, produce a wine with a dense, round mouthfeel. Its candied fruit and dried fruit notes are ideal with poached poularde in white sauce. Roussette de Savoie Monterminod is a tiny cru from Chambéry. The south-facing vines produce exceptional wines. Finally, Monthoux dry white wine is produced in the commune of Saint-Jean-de-Chevelu. The soils are stony and contain glacial deposits. Rousette de Savoie cru Monthoux offers aromas of wax, dried fruit and candied fruit. It is particularly appreciated with cheeses such as Comté.


Serve 10 cl of Rousette de Savoie in a Burgundy-style white wine glass. A temperature between 7°C and 10°C is ideal. For a dense wine with more body, the temperature should be between 10°C and 13°C. When tasting, pay close attention to the wine's evolution. Aeration in a carafe may be advisable. Oxygen that fades or breaks does not change the taste of the wine.

An ice bucket with two or three handfuls of ice cubes is ideal for cooling the bottle. Temperature control is carried out with a wine thermometer. This should be immersed in a glass filled to ⅓ full.

This floral wine should be kept in a wine cabinet for aging. The temperature should be between 12° and 14°C. For optimum preservation of Rousette de Savoie in a wine cellar, humidity should be between 70% and 75%. The temperature should be between 10°C and 13°C. The wine will keep for 3 to 10 years. The temperature must also be constant, as this can slow down the wine's evolution or cause premature ripening.

The Ambymes and Apremont crus can be kept longer than other "generic" dry white wines. Depending on the estate, ageing can be different.

The Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée Roussette de Savoie groups together dry white wines made from grapes known as Roussette or Altesse. This appellation covers around 50 hectares of vines and benefits from a temperate continental climate with mountain influences. These wines are highly appreciated for their ability to be drunk young or after several years of cellaring.

AOC Roussette de Savoie: a little history


The AOC Roussette de Savoie was registered in 1973. Its single grape variety, Roussette (or Altesse), is said to have originated in Cyprus, and to have been brought back by the Count of Mareste during the Crusader era. This appellation is one of the most important in the Savoie sub-region. Savoie and Haute-Savoie produce 80% white wines.

The terroir

Roussette de Savoie white wines are produced in the Savoie and Haute-Savoie departments. The vineyards stretch from the commune of Frangy, along the river Usses, through the communes of Monthoux, Monterminod and Marestel, on the shores of Lac du Bourget. The diversity of soils, from pebbly to sandy, and the mountain climate enable us to produce both Haute-Savoie and dry Savoie wines.

Characteristics of Roussette de Savoie wines


These are fine, subtle, light-colored wines. Tasting reveals aromas of fruit such as apricot, dried fruit such as hazelnut and wild flowers such as hawthorn. The palate is fresh and lively. Roussette de Savoie wines can be enjoyed young, and improve with age.

Wine and food pairing Roussette de Savoie


When enjoyed young, Roussette de Savoie white wine can be served as an aperitif. After a few years, it goes well with fish, white meat in sauce, and cheeses such as Comté and Beaufort. It also goes well with dishes from the Savoie and Haute-Savoie regions, such as tartiflette. We recommend serving this wine in a white wine glass at a temperature of between 7° and 10°.
AOC Roussette de Savoie producers
Among all the producers of Roussette de Savoie, some stand out for their know-how and offer top-quality dry white wines.

Domaine Louis Magnin

It grows two regional grape varieties, Mondeuse and Roussette, and produces high-quality Savoy white wines.

Domaine de l'Epervière

It produces five cuvées of Savoy white wine. Abymes classique and "Habanera", Apremont "Les Jumelles" and "Eugénie", as well as a Roussette de Savoie "Phantasia" since the 2015 vintage.

Charles Trosset estate

It grows mainly Mondeuse grapes and produces exceptional Savoy white wines.

Justin Estate

It benefits from a unique terroir and produces different crus: cru Marestel and cru Monthoux for its Roussette de Savoie.

The Château de Mérande Estate

He cultivates the Jacquère grape variety according to biodynamic principles, in addition to certified organic viticulture.

The Château de la Mar Estate

It grows Mondeuse, Chardonnay, Altesse and Jacquère grapes and produces an AOC Roussette de Savoie Cru Marestel white wine.

The André Berlioz Estate

It produces 14 cuvées of tasty white wine, available in limited quantities. His expertise has enabled him to produce numerous vintages.

Jean Vullien Estate

Born into a family of Savoyard winegrowers, he set up his own domaine in 1973. He cultivates several grape varieties: Jacquère, Altesse, Roussanne and Mondeuse.

More information on the Roussette de Savoie

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Domaine Fabien Trosset - Roussette de Savoie La Devire 2023

1*Étoile Hachette

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90/100 RVF

altesse
freshness
quality-price

"At once rich and airy, this is an elegant Roussette!

"Here's a delicate roussette, pleasant on the nose, harmonious on the palate. We are seduced by its pleasant bouquet, floral and fruity, dominated by ripe apricot, as well as by its generous palate, which is not lacking in freshness either." (Le Guide Hachette 2025)

Château de Mérande - Roussette de Savoie Son Altesse 2023

90/100 RVF

(Vintage 2022 notes)
altesse
floral
complex
fish

"Son Altesse la Roussette is revealed here on beautiful notes of violets!"

An intense, complex cuvée with lovely floral notes enhanced by fruity freshness. The palate is supple, rich and balanced, with a mineral finish of lime and fresh almonds. Altesses of great origin!

Domaine Adrien Berlioz - Roussette de Savoie Zulime 2023

altesse
suave
buttery

"Sublime this Zulime, with its spicy and subtly sweet notes!"

This Savoy white wine is both sweet and lively! The aromas are invigorating and the saline finish delights the palate, calling for a second glass. Once again, this cuvée reveals the greatness and originality of the winemaker.

Maison Adrien Vacher - Roussette de Savoie Altesse 1973 L'accession 2022

Rated 3/5Rated 3/5Rated 3/5Rated 3/5Rated 3/5

3/5 (2 reviews)

1*Étoile Hachette

(Vintage 2021 notes)
altesse
honeyed notes
white flowers
aperitif
pan-fried foie gras

"Princess Redbud!"

Whether you choose to call it Roussette or Altesse, this typical Savoy white grape variety, which makes up the Roussette de Savoie PDO wines, will seduce you with its original aromas of fresh pear, honey and white flowers. The palate is soft and mellow, with a pleasantly fresh finish.

Domaine partagé Gilles Berlioz - Roussette de Savoie El-hem 2020

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3.5/5 (2 reviews)

16,5/20 RVF

(2018 vintage notes)
altesse
complex
rich

What a superb contrast between this wine's exuberant nose of almost exotic richness and its slender palate. Its depth and complexity astonish us. Pure fruit, perfectly defined on the palate, this Altesse works wonders. A flagship cuvée!

Domaine JF Quénard - Roussette Anne-Sophie 2019

Wine rated 4.4/5Wine rated 4.4/5Wine rated 4.4/5Wine rated 4.4/5Wine rated 4.4/5

4.4/5 (8 reviews)

16,5/20 Coup de Coeur RVF

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15,5/20 Bettane & Desseauve

(Notes vintage 2017)
altesse
suave
fish
scallop

This altesse works wonders. The richness of the nose, due to the ageing process, reveals aromas of brioche and pastry, but is also reminiscent of jasmine blossom and white-fleshed fruit. jasmine blossom and white-fleshed fruit. On the attack, a lovely roundness palate, underpinned by tension that lasts a long time on the palate. Also great with Asian cuisine.

Château de la Mar - Roussette de Savoie Marestel Le Golliat 2018

Rated 3.6/5Rated 3.6/5Rated 3.6/5Rated 3.6/5Rated 3.6/5

3.6/5 (7 reviews)

1*Étoile Hachette

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14,5/20 Bettane & Desseauve

(2016 vintage notes)
dogfish
traditional

"A slice of terroir

Expressive notes of white flowers and pear, underlined by fine hints of toasted almonds. Equally aromatic, the palate is warm and fruity, finishing with a welcome hint of bitterness. Sublime in any season!

Château de la Mar - Roussette de Savoie Marestel La Chapelle 2018

Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5

4/5 (6 reviews)

15/20 Bettane & Desseauve

(2016 vintage notes)
dogfish
floral
gourmet wine

An Altesse that lives up to its name. Heady, seductive, full-bodied and dense, this cuvée will sublimate your meals and your platters of Savoyard cheeses such as Tomme, Beaufort and Abondance. A unique style, a gourmet wine to discover.

Domaine Adrien Berlioz - Clémence 2019

Rated 3.8/5Rated 3.8/5Rated 3.8/5Rated 3.8/5Rated 3.8/5

3.8/5 (5 reviews)

altesse
charmer
purity
precise

A tribute to Clémence, the village grandmother who gave Adrien her first plot of vines. It embodies gentleness and delicacy in a pure, precise Roussette with an enveloping fatness and a tangy core. A cuvée that needs time to appreciate, a little patience and it will reveal all its secrets.

Domaine de l'Epervière - Roussette de Savoie Phantasia 2018

Wine rated 4.7/5Wine rated 4.7/5Wine rated 4.7/5Wine rated 4.7/5Wine rated 4.7/5

4.7/5 (3 reviews)

Highlighted by an empyreumatic note with a hint of butter, the nose nose offers a contrasting expression where stewed fruit is enlivened by floral, spicy and country notes. On the palate, between restraint and power, an energetic picture is painted, combining nervous aromas, saline minerality and tension. A perfect expression of terroir!

Domaine Louis Magnin - Roussette de Savoie 2017

Rated 3/5Rated 3/5Rated 3/5Rated 3/5Rated 3/5

3/5 (1 review)

15/20 Bettane & Desseauve

(2016 vintage notes)

A precise Roussette, with soft notes of ripe apricot and quince, as unctuous as one could wish. A dense, crisp white with an invigorating balance. A stylish cuvée, simply superb.

Domaine Jean Vullien - Roussette de Savoie 2018

Rated 3.5/5Rated 3.5/5Rated 3.5/5Rated 3.5/5Rated 3.5/5

3.5/5 (6 reviews)

Médaille d'Or Concours Paris

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2*Étoiles Hachette

(Notes vintage 2017)

Roussette de Savoie reveals complex, flattering and subtle aromas of exotic fruit, hawthorn and orange blossom. The structure on the palate is balanced and elegant, supported by a nice fatness and a long finish. A complete white!

Château de Mérande - Roussette La Comtesse Blanche 2014

Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5

4/5 (4 reviews)

16/20 RVF

(2013 vintage notes)

Intense and complex, La Comtesse Blanche reveals a bouquet of white flowers, citrus fruit, quince paste and beeswax. This Roussette de Savoie is rich, supple, mineral and well-balanced, with a well-integrated woody backdrop providing elegant substance.

Domaine Louis Magnin - Roussette de Savoie 2012

Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5Rated 5/5

5/5 (1 review)

14,5/20 Bettane & Desseauve

"Easy and playful, this is a fat white with tension, a good nervousness on the finish." (Le Guide Bettane & Desseauve des Vins de France 2015). An elegant expression with delicate floral notes on the nose, an intense palate, dense and sapid in length, and carried by a saline minerality. A great success!