Quintessence de Mondeuse AOP Vin de Savoie 2020

Wine description for Quintessence de Mondeuse AOP Vin de Savoie 2020 by Orchis

Colour & Appearance

A transparent, luminous garnet red in the glass – elegant and almost Burgundian in its clarity. The Mondeuse reveals itself here from its refined, decidedly non-rustic side.

Nose

Seductively complex: concentrated cherries and elderflower meet blackberries, underpinned by a whisper of mint, cinnamon and the exotic touch of cubeb pepper. Subtle oak notes blend in harmoniously, without dominating. The freshness is remarkable – alpine, crystalline, inviting.

Palate

Here the true greatness of this wine reveals itself: a fascinating liaison between the juiciness of a Gamay and the structure of a Syrah. Cherry and cherry stone, pomegranate and blood orange dominate, whilst darker fermentation notes of black cardamom, tobacco and tea provide depth. The tannin is refined, the acidity vibrates like a mountain stream – pure, crystalline energy.

Finish

Persistent, fresh and with fine spice. The fruit lingers long, carried by a minerality that recalls the alpine terroir.

Terroir & Origin

The grapes come from three extremely steep vineyard sites in Haute-Savoie (Desingy, Collonges, Peillonnex) between 350 and 450 metres altitude. The terroir – chalky loam, glacial debris and bedrock – lends the wine its characteristic tension and minerality. The view of Mont Blanc is not merely backdrop, but programme.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Mondeuse Noire, Savoie’s autochthonous grape variety, is treated here with utmost care: 90 % destemmed to avoid astringency, then aged over two winters in older barrels. Minimal yield of 20 hl/ha, bottled unfiltered – artisanal perfection.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Surprisingly versatile: grilled swordfish steaks with capers and beetroot jus, classic Bœuf Bourguignon or an autumnal mushroom tart. The moderate alcohol content of 11.5 % makes it an ideal food companion.

Special Characteristics

A wine that proves Mondeuse can do far more than rustic mountain wines. Orchis demonstrates here finesse, transparency and a drinkability that recalls the finest crus of Beaujolais – only more alpine, spicier, more distinctive.