Altesse
Altesse is also known as “Roussette”, and legend has it that the grape was brought to Savoie by a Cypriot princess, giving it a name that translates to “highness” or “nobility.”
Varietal Origin: Altesse is an indigenous white grape of eastern France, primarily grown in the Savoie region near the Alps. It is the key grape behind the appellation Roussette de Savoie AOC, where it produces some of the region’s most age-worthy white wines.
Taste Profile: Altesse wines are typically medium-bodied with vibrant acidity and a refined, textured mouthfeel. They offer aromas and flavors of pear, quince, apple, and citrus, layered with white flowers, honey, almond, and a distinctive mineral note. With age, they can develop nutty, waxy, and lightly oxidative characteristics, adding complexity.
Regional Styles:
Savoie (France – Roussette de Savoie AOC): Often made in a dry, still style, highlighting freshness, minerality, and elegance. Can be oak-aged or lees-aged to add richness and texture. Some producers craft late-harvest or slightly off-dry styles, showcasing its ability to develop honeyed complexity.
Bugey (France): Smaller plantings yield similar wines, often with a slightly lighter profile.
Altesse is Savoie’s noble white—elegant, mineral-driven, and capable of graceful aging
