La Bergerie 2023, Vin de Savoie Ayze Domaine du Gringet | Savoie

Domaine du Gringet' s Vin de Savoie Ayze La Bergerie perfectly illustrates the uniqueness of the Gringet grape variety, rare and exclusively grown in this appellation area in the heart of Savoie. This terroir-driven wine comes from Le Pré Milleret and Chez Reydet, two south-facing hillsides on complex soils of yellow marl, white marl and limestone scree. Heir to Dominique Belluard's visionary approach, this cuvée retains a close link with the history of the village of Ayze, where Gringet was able to resist the standardization of winegrowing in the region. Today, the vines are cultivated using respectful agriculture, at the crossroads between organic and biodynamic farming, with precise work on the soil and vines. In the cellar, winemaking remains gentle and low-intervention: slow, gentle pressing, spontaneous fermentation on indigenous yeasts, followed by nine months' ageing on fine lees in ovoid concrete and stainless steel vats, before resting in bottle for around 10 months to refine the wine's purity and energy.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin: Vin de Savoie Ayze La Bergerie embodies the most crystalline dimension of Gringet, with a taut, vibrant style that captures the spirit of Alpine wines. This wine is distinguished by its straightforwardness and mineral intensity, offering a limpid reading of the limestone terroir in the expert hands of the wine estate. This is a cuvée of great precision, whose ageing potential means it can be enjoyed for many years to come. For lovers of mountain whites, it's an essential landmark of the region and a strong identity marker for Domaine du Gringet.

On the nose, a bouquet of great finesse opens with initial impressions of white flowers, fresh citron and fine herbs reminiscent of chervil or verbena. The mineral framework then imposes itself with elegance, with a very authentic limestone signature evoking gunflint and oyster shell, in an airy, pure intensity.

Remarkable balance on the palate. The attack is straightforward, with an immediate, invigorating alpine freshness. The slightly chalky texture lends depth to the fine material, which unfolds flavors of white peach, green apple and citrus zest. The mineral tension stretches through to the long, persistent finish, where noble, saline bitters mark the vibrant energy of the terroir.