Berthollier "Argile sur Schistes" 2024 Chignin - Savoie (organic)

A fresh, fruity white wine, with a nose characterised by citrus and subtle honeyed notes: acacia, candied citrus fruits and quince. The light palate follows a mineral profile through to a crisp finish. 12% ABV. 3,000 bottles produced.

For this single-vineyard cuvée, by definition, the TERROIR makes all the difference. This TERROIR comprises two plots of around 3,000 m² each, situated on the same schist ‘rognon’, facing south-southeast, on a gentle slope. It benefits from the first hours of sunshine, whilst remaining sheltered from cold draughts and frost. But it is undoubtedly the site’s geology that is the most favourable factor: schist covered by a layer of clay ranging from 30 centimetres to 1 or 2 metres. Fermented with indigenous yeasts and vinified in vats without sulphur, with only a small amount added at bottling – resulting in a total sulphur content of less than 30 mg/l.

Denis and Didier Berthollier took over the reins of the family estate in the late 1990s, succeeding their father Alexis Berthollier, one of the founders of the Vin de Savoie Protected Designation of Origin. The vineyard is fragmented and spread across several plots, some of which are situated on steep slopes with tremendous potential. They grow Roussanne (known locally as Bergeron), Jacquère and Altesse, and for reds, Mondeuse, Pinot Noir and Persan.