CHÂTEAU DE LA MAR - SAVOIE

Château de la Mar is located in the commune of Jongieux, at the foot of the French Alps, in the Savoie region of France. Although Savoie is best known for its ski slopes, its cold climate and mountainous terrain produce some of the most interesting wines in France. 

Built in 1244 by the Count of Mareste, Château de la Mar is a historic estate. It was in 1432 that Humbert de Mareste, a famous crusader, escorted the Princess of Cyprus, Anne de Lusignan, to her wedding to the Duke of Savoy. Upon his return, he brought back some vines that he named "Altesse,” and, hence, the hillside was named.

Today, the estate has 7 hectares of vines aged between 20 - 60 years old. Located behind the Château, on the dizzying slopes of Mont Charvaz, its vineyards take the title of steepest terraced vineyards in the world, according to famous wine critic Robert Parker. With soil made of marl and limestone and rich in minerals, interventions in the vineyards are kept to a minimum, as the estate has been practicing integrated vineyard management since 2009. 

In order to emphasize the mineral and fruity characteristics of its wines as much as possible, the vinification is carried out in very cold underground cellars of the castle. The wines are all fermented in stainless steel tanks and then aged in French barrels (mostly neutral). 

Mineral and round in the mouth, the whites have such a unique taste that sets them apart from more classic regions like Burgundy and the Loire. The red wines are fruity, peppery and full of spice, and, due to their high acidity and low alcohol content, are excellent candidates for aging. Don't be afraid to lay them down in your cellar and revisit them after a few years. Your patience will be amply rewarded.