why amateurs and experts are betting everything on this small, still little-known vineyard

“If I had known at the time.” How many times have we heard this phrase, from those who experienced the blessed period during which it was still possible to find wines from Pierre Overnoy or Jean-François Ganevat for only a few dozen euros? Now prey to all speculative madness, the Jura is no longer within the reach of all budgets. A path that one of its closest neighbors seems to be taking. Against all expectations, the Savoyard vineyard is in turn experiencing an unprecedented rise, above all internationally. If the wines produced from them represent a tiny fraction of French production – around 0.5% – they are still considered by the French public as poor quality, just good for mopping up raclettes and fondues over the course of a week in winter sports. “When the amateurs realize the potential and quality of Savoie wines, it is a safe bet that demand will explode”, professes William Bellonex-wine merchant turned winemaker at the Aricoques estate, in Frangy. But it might already be too late.

For around ten years, the Savoie vineyards have been able to count on the emergence of a new generation of very…