ABOUT: On the limestone slopes of Mount Granier in Savoie lie the organically farmed vineyards of Domaine Giachino. Frederic Giachino took over the reigns from his father in 1988 and over the next few decades converted the vineyards to organics. In 2006 his brother David joined him and with him came biodynamic methods. In addition to growing the grape varieties the region is known for (Jacquere, Mondeuse, Gamay, Altesse) they’ve begun planting older varieties native to the region such as Persan, Mondeuse Blanche and Verdesse. Sustainability is very much the driving philosophy behind the decisions they make, and luckily the wines are absolutely exceptional. In 2015, biodynamic Savoie pioneer Michel Grissard decided to retire from his iconic domaine Prieure Saint-Christophe and handed the baton off to the Giachino clan. The Mondeuse and Altesse from this vineyard is exceptional, truly rivaling the best. If you had to show a class one example of what Mondeuse can achieve, this is the one. TASTE: This 100% Mondeuse hails from 5 hectares of vines in the foothills of the Massif des Bauges, clay and limestone soils and the vines are 30-50 years old. The maceration is light and long and has gone for as long as an entire year. Native yeasts are used for fermentation and the wine spends a year in barrel before hitting the road. Just a dab of sulphur at bottling is all it gets. Flavors of cherries and raspberries, white and black pepper, wet stone and sticky tree sap. Finely honed tannins and a long elegant finish. A stunner for sure.
PAIR: Cherry cheddar cheese spread, Impossible burgers with grilled onions, grilled cheese sandwich with roasted garlic, Thai red curry with vegetables, and a barbecue tofu sandwich.
