A Tour of Savoyard Grapes
With André & Michel Quenard
by Tom Wolf
Nestled in the mountainous pre-Alps sliver of France just south of Geneva, Savoie is home to some of the most underrated wine grapes in the country. Is this due to the region’s wine culture being overshadowed by its status, first and foremost, as a world-class skiing and hiking destination? Or is it because we often describe Savoyard grapes in northern Rhône terms (that is, Bergeron is Savoie’s answer to northern Rhône Roussanne, or Mondeuse is a relative of Syrah)? Whatever the reasons for their recent obscurity, the Quenard family crafts exquisite wines from the local grapes, ranging from mouthwateringly crisp and refreshing blancs made from Jacquère to earthy and savory reds showcasing the class of Mondeuse.