The French Alps are naturally best known for skiing, and wine is probably not the first thing to spring to mind unless you've built up a thirst after a strenuous day on the slopes. However, this tiny wine-growing area produces some surprisingly good wines, most of which stay in the local vicinity.
If skiing is your first love and you can't bear to tear yourself away from the slopes to visit a local wine producer, then you are still likely to have sampled many of the local vintages. The mountain restaurants offer a wide variety of wines, great after a busy morning on the pistes, but not always of the best quality. You are more likely to find the best vintages on offer in one of the better restaurants or within the comfort of your luxury catered ski chalet.
Over two thirds of wine production is white wine, either dry or fruity, mostly made from the Jacquere grape, with the Altesse variety also widespread. These whites are excellent as an aperitif, and also the perfect partner for fish dishes, raclettes and fondues.
For red wine, Gamay, Mondeuse and Persan grapes are all worth a try. Wine producers in the area have been working hard to improve consistency of quality so that it's not such a hit and miss affair, and this has paid off, particularly in the case of Mondeuse, which has improved markedly from the days of being a light, easy red of variable quality.
Most Jacquère vintages are best drunk within two years, but some Altesse and Bergeron varieties age superbly, as do the Mondeuse reds, which have been improved in recent years to accommodate oak ageing.
Why not ski catered for undoubtedly the most relaxing kind of ski holiday? Choose your preferred luxury ski chalet from our 5 exclusive properties at Le Legettaz amidst breathtaking scenery in Val d'Isere.
For an in-depth wine travel guide of the Savoie region, Wink Lorch is an expert source of knowledge, having written extensively and widely acknowledged as an expert in the field. With an enviable lifestyle of living in the French alps and tasting lots of wines, she really knows her stuff.
During your ski holiday, you may wish to try out other activities. Our
catered ski chalets are in an ideal location for non-skiing activities plus a host of shops, bars and restaurants.
If you would like us to help you arrange a special outing or activity, please email us and we will be more than happy help using our extensive
knowledge of Val d'isere and its restaurants and facilities
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