France Gonzalvez
Savoie, France

Bordering Switzerland in eastern France, in the heart of the Alps lies Savoie, a region as diverse as the breathtaking landscapes that surround it. Here, among soaring peaks & tranquil lakes, vineyards cling to steep slopes, their roots digging deep in a patchwork of soils that etch a lasting impression on their wines
 
The terroir of Savoie is defined by its mountainous terrain, a composition of diverse soils inc. limestone, marl, clay & schist. The vineyards here are interspersed with lakes, rivers & forests, creating a biodiverse & dynamic microclimate. The altitude, along with the proximity to the Alps, provides cool temperatures & ample sunlight, ideal for slow ripening & development of complex flavours. A captivating setting where a winemaker may express their unique interpretation of the essence of this remarkable region;  Enter @francegonzalvez …
 
Originally from Savoie, France enjoyed her formative years in the rolling hills of Beaujolais, amidst the quaint villages of Saint-Julien & Blacé, France cut her teeth under the tutelage of masters Xavier Bénier & Jean-Claude Lapalu. 15 vintages in the Beaujolais saw France gather great recognition for her farming & subsequent wines, from the very genesis of her journey, she espoused the creed of organic farming, shunning the crutches of artificial intervention.
 
But as they say ‘nothing lasts forever’, and in 2020 this Savoie native was inevitably drawn back home by the allure of fresh mountain air, skiing with her sons & the chance of a new vinous canvas which lay before her in the esteemed villages of Trévignin, Apremont, Chignin & Freterive.
 
Whatever drives her pursuit, the wines simply astound us! They embody a finesse & purity that’s almost uncommon round these here parts, yet they speak volumes of the classic grape varietals of Savoie with an invigorating twist.
There’s a distinct thread running through the wines - a thread that expands our comprehension of these grape varieties we thought we knew. France, it seems, has a penchant for her own, favouring low sulphur, low alcohol & impressionable acidity - blessedly devoid of heavy artefact with fruit that thrives on finesse rather than brute force.