Alpine Wines | Domaine Dupraz

Saturday 1st March 2.00pm-5.00pm

Alpine Wines | Domaine Dupraz
Join us for a delightful afternoon discovering the alpine freshness that Domaine Dupraz in Savoie has to offer! 🍷⛰️
 
Saturday 1st March
2.00pm-5.00pm
 
Open on the day:
 
'22 Vin de Savoie 'En Route Pour L’Apéro' Jacquère $44
'20 Apremont ‘Montracul’ Jacquère $64
'22 Roussette de Savoie Altesse $72'
20 Rouge de Savoie Mondeuse $60
 
Enjoy 10% discount when you purchase any three bottles on the day.
 
Hosted by Nicolas Di Lizia from Clos Cachet, and free of charge.

Savoie
Nestled in the French Alps, the Savoie wine region is a hidden gem celebrated for its unique alpine wines and breathtaking landscapes. Vineyards are scattered across steep slopes and river valleys, benefiting from a climate moderated by Lake Bourget and Lake Geneva. This setting fosters a diverse range of indigenous grape varieties, resulting in wines that are both fresh and distinctive.
 
White wines dominate Savoie's production, accounting for approximately 70% of the region's output. The most prevalent white grape is Jacquère, known for producing light, crisp wines with floral and green almond notes. These wines are excellent thirst-quenchers and pair well with the region's hearty cheese dishes. Altesse, also known as Roussette, is another key white variety, offering more structured wines with potential for aging. Roussanne, locally referred to as Bergeron, and Chardonnay are also cultivated, contributing to the region's diverse white wine profile. Notably, the Chignin-Bergeron appellation is dedicated exclusively to 100% Roussanne wines.

While less prevalent, Savoie's red wines are equally noteworthy. Mondeuse is the flagship red grape, producing wines with dark berry flavors and spicy undertones. Gamay and Pinot Noir are also cultivated, offering vibrant and approachable red wines that complement a variety of dishes.
 
Savoie's complex topography has led to a mosaic of appellations, each reflecting its unique terroir. The Vin de Savoie AOP encompasses the entire region, with several crus permitted to append their names, indicating distinct local characteristics. For instance, the Chignin-Bergeron cru is renowned for its rich Roussanne wines, while the lakeside crus of Marignan, Ripaille, Marin, and Crépy focus on Chasselas-based wines. The Roussette de Savoie AOP is dedicated to Altesse-based wines, with four communes—Frangy, Marestel, Monterminod, and Monthoux—allowed to add their names, highlighting their unique expressions of this varietal.
 
Beyond its wines, Savoie is celebrated for its rich culinary traditions. The region's wines are often enjoyed alongside local specialties, such as fondue and raclette, where the acidity and freshness of the wines balance the richness of the cheese-based dishes. The picturesque alpine setting, combined with its unique wines and cuisine, makes Savoie a compelling destination for wine enthusiasts and travelers alike.
In summary, the Savoie wine region offers a diverse and distinctive array of wines that reflect its alpine terroir and rich cultural heritage. From crisp whites to elegant reds and vibrant sparklers, Savoie's wines are a testament to the region's unique character and winemaking traditions.

Domaine Dupraz

Since the inception of the domaine in 1880 by François Dupraz, the Dupraz family have remained established in Le Reposoir, building upon their estate, which was formally part of the ChambÊry hospices. Michel Dupraz, grandson to François, brought the professional business side to the domaine, planting a third of the vines still cultivated today while establishing a strong reputation of the region.
Currently, the 5th generation, Marc Dupraz, is in ownership of the domaine with his sons, Jérémy and Maxime, working with passion and respect as the winemakers running all operations. Over these past few years, Jérémy and Maxime have worked to reinstate elements of their family history, starting with reclaiming Michel’s former cellars in 2014, which had been part of the local co-op from 1957 to 2003. They followed on with also reclaiming their uncle Jean Dupraz’s vineyards, also a part of the co-op, that same year. Today, Domaine Dupraz hosts 18.5 ha of vineyards on the same slopes where François began, in the lieu dit of Reposoir.
Domaine Dupraz consists of 18-hectares of vineyards all located in Savoie on the foothills of the Chartreuse massif in Apremont. Situated at an altitude between 350 and 450 metres on steep slopes, the estate has practised natural grassing since the 1980s. This approach, which respects the environment, has enabled the Dupraz family to greatly reduce the number of treatments on the vines while also allowing the grassing to help provide food and a source of life while preventing soil erosion. Their choices of natural cultures allow for their grapes (which are hand-harvested) to express the terroirs as faithfully as possible.
Initially named “le vieux coteaux” (the old hillside) by Michel, le Reposoir has a very special history with its position and its altitude. Oriented to the east, facing the rising sun, it is much more qualitative for gentle ripening, as well as allowing the estate to benefit from regular and light winds. These two characteristics make it possible to obtain healthier vines while being certified organic.
Domaine Dupraz takes advantage of the unique grape varietals that call Savoie home, especially Jacquère, which Jeremy calls “a veritable mirror of the terroir.” Inspired by Burgundy tradition, the teamwork parcel by parcel, and conduct vinification slowly with the wines only bottled when the three co-directors (Marc, Jeremy, and Maxime) agree that it’s time. 

The Wines
 
'22 Vin de Savoie 'En Route Pour L’Apéro' Jacquère
Unfiltered, unfined, unleavened. Vinified and aged in stainless steel tanks. Juicy fresh pear, alpine acid tingling and succulent with a playful finale. Very gorgeous drinking.
 
'20 Apremont ‘Montracul’ Jacquère
Manual harvest and slow press. Gentle vinification for a minimum of 18 months. Malolactic fermentation is often carried out. Aged on the lees for 18 months before bottling.
Shy nose, opening on beautiful subtle pear notes, spicy, finessed, lively. Palate is pure and vibrant, medium bodied, vivacious with cold mineral.

'20 Rouge de Savoie Mondeuse 
Aged for a minimum of 18 months for more complexity and
softened tannins. Few barrels until 2019. Indigenous yeasts and no
added sugar on this pleasure red.
 Violet flowers, herbal character, vibrant, juicy and attractive. Littlespice, blueberry, attractive and finessed. The palate is delicate, light bodied, caressing tannins, pure and giving. Very appetising. Needs 20 minutes decant.

'22 Roussette de Savoie Altesse
Slow press, sulphur-free vinification. Natural alcohdomaine olic and malolactic fermentation (sometimes not done). Ageing is done on fine lees for 3 to 4 months depending on the year. Bottling is done according to the lunar calendar on a fruit day.
Spicy character, white pepper. Sappy, silky but structured. Long and lingering finish. 100% Pure. finely spiced.

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