About Altesse
This native variety of France has characteristics that make it easy to identify among other wines:
- Acidity: High, laser-sharp. It’s the natural preservation system of Altesse.
- Body: Medium to full. This gives Altesse a good substance without heaviness.
- Alcohol: Typically 11-13.5%. Elegance over power.
- Aging Potential: 5-10 years. Altesse is a wine that gets better with patience.
Climate and Regions
Think of Savoie in far eastern France as a geological masterpiece carved by ancient glaciers and Alpine tectonics. Picture vineyard sites perched on 60% slopes. “This is extreme viticulture where only the most resilient vines survive.”
“The terroir equation is brutally simple: high altitude + cool climate + glacial moraines = mineral intensity that would make a geologist weep.”
What to Expect from This Wine
Visually, the wine is “pale yellow to golden, with crystalline clarity that reflects the Alpine purity.”
The nose is very aromatic: a combination of fruit and herb garden plus the minerality that screams Alpine mountains.
On the palate, the acidity provides the structural backbone, while flavors like bergamot, almonds and honey create layes of complexity. “The finish is clean and mineral-driven with fine salinity and low alcohol content.”
Food Pairing
The wine’s acidity makes it a good partner for rich, creamy foods. Think French fondue.
But it also goes well with seafood, including oysters, shrimp and fish dishes. It’s great with creamy cheeses like raclette, gruyere, goat cheese and brie.
Try it with poultry and roasts and grilled vegetables too. Finally, try it with coconut-based Asian curries.
