Wines of France / Savoie / Roussette de Savoie / Domaine Chevallier-Bernard

Domaine Chevallier-Bernard Savoie

Jongieux
Chantal and Jean-Pierre Bernard are the husband and wife team who, after studying oenology in Beaune, took over the old Chevallier property in Jongieux in 1996. This picturesque town is the "capital" of the white grape Altesse. It sits east of Lyon near the base of the steep Mont de la Charvaz, named by serious cyclists as one of France's toughest climbs. It is on the slopes of this mountain, on the "Marestel" hillside cru above the village, that many of the best parcels of Altesse are planted. This personality-filled grape is obligatory in all AOC Roussette de Savoie wines.
Picture
Like the valleys further south within which lie Arbin, Chignin and Apremont, the soils of the Jongieux slopes are composed of calcium-rich limestone and glacial deposits. It is atop these gravel pieces that the humble Bernard couple, now aided by their son, farm their 12.5 hectares of grapes (which are planted with Jacquère, Altesse, Chardonnay, Gamay, Mondeuse and Pinot Noir). In 2017 they were awarded a certificate for Agriculture Raisonée, and all their vineyard practices are performed with an eye toward preserving the environment and promoting greater biodiversity. In the winery, only stainless steel and cement-lined tanks are used, and a healthy respect for traditional methods is apparent. Only a couple of the red wines are aged for 6 months in 228-liter barriques.
The result is wine that honestly and perfectly represents the unique Savoie terroir and spirit. 
Picture
Domaine Chevallier-Bernard Roussette de Savoie 
This wine is 100% Altesse, from the couple’s vines on the limestone hillside vineyards of Jongieux. It is traditionally vinified then raised in stainless steel and cement-lined tanks.
The wine has fine and floral aromas, while the palate shows notes of citrus and exotic fruit. It is full of that fruit while at the same time being crisp and precise with its varietal flavors —all of which make it ideal with the local cuisine, including Gratin dauphinois and reblochon cheese.
Domaine Chevallier-Bernard Roussette de Savoie “Marestel”
The Marestel, coming from a tremendous slope overlooking the valley, is aged only in stainless steel. Only 7,000 bottles are made. 
The wine was the top scoring wine in the 2018 edition of Guide Hachette: “This Marestel delivers a bouquet of great finesse, with aromas of dried pineapple and sweet almond along with some smoky notes. The palate is lively and round, offering superb flavors of exotic fruits counterbalanced by a fine bitterness. Finishes with admirable elegance and balance.”