ROUSSETTE / AlTESSE

The queen of the alpine grape varieties

Roussette

Also called Altesse (Highness) or Fusette

An ancient Savoyard grape variety related to Chasselas, it is also found in Ain and Isère, and more unexpectedly, in New Zealand. Little-known, Roussette has many different facets: Vinified on its own or in combination with other grape varieties (Chardonnay, Mondeuse Blanche), it produces two types of wine: generous and full-bodied dry white wines, aromatic and elegant, for which it enjoys a good reputation, sometimes mellow when the grapes are raisined and harvested late. Or an excellent sparkling white wine with an excellent quality/price ratio that has stands up even against champagne. Whether in still, sweet or sparkling wine, Roussette is impressive in the fragrances it delivers. The aromas of white fruits blend subtly with those of exotic fruits, enhanced by velvety honeyed touches. These cuvées are showcased in Savoie by the estates of L'Idylle, Perrier & Fils and Bouvet, and by Gérad Lambert, who delighted us with his Royal Seyssel Brut Millésimé.

WHERE IS IT FOUND?
In France and all over the world

FRANCE

Savoie (Bugey)

WORLDWIDE

New Zealand

MAIN APPELLATIONS
By type of wine: Sweet and dry whites

Roussette de Savoie, Roussette du Bugey

Vins effervescents, crémant champagne Roussette

Seyssel

SHALL WE TASTE?
In the galss

still white

Pale to deep yellow in colour. A light and elegant wine with a wide range of aromas. It delivers its intense and expressive aromas: apricot, almond, pineapple, mango, papaya, hazelnut, lemongrass, floral and herbaceous notes of aromatic plants (sage), honey, pine, pear... A very rich wine expressing a velvety roundness reinforced by the presence of residual sugars balanced by a pleasant acidity supporting the ensemble. Shows a good aptitude for ageing (5 years) although not a wine for long-term cellaring.

sparkling

Roussette is often associated with Molette de Seyselle, delicate sparkling wines with aromas of white flowers, dried and fresh fruit. Vibrant bubbles that express freshness and vivacity.

FOOD AND WINE PAIRINGS
Roussette at the table

still white

Aperitif, foie gras, scallops, grilled fish. Sweet and sour dishes. Asian cuisine (sushi, sashimi).

sparkling

Enjoy this lively wine as an aperitif. Accompanies seafood (scallops) and lake fish (sole meunière). Game birds: stuffed quail, chicken pie...

OUR ROUSSETTES...

MORE INFORMATION

The name Altesse, "Highness" says it all: this grape variety was worthy of being a representative of royalty at the time when Savoy belonged to the Principality of Piedmont-Sardinia. It is a grape variety suitable for the best vintages.

But that's not all: Sensitive to disease, the winegrowers must take great care throughout the seasons to ensure that it is well tended to. It is therefore a delicate grape variety which makes beautiful wines, alone or in blends.

A grape that deserves respect!

Roussette is also called Altesse, Altesse Blanche, Altesse Verte, Rousette Haute, Roussette, Roussette Basse, Roussette de Montagnieu, Roussette Grosse, Roussette Haute, Roussette Petite, Arin, Fusette, Fusette d'Amberieu, Fusette de Montagnieu, Ignam, Ignan Blanc, Maconnais, Petit Maconnais, Prin Blanc, Serene Blanche.