Gateway to Savoie wines where the Alps meet Lac du Bourget

This cooperative on the shores of Lac du Bourget produces wines from the northernmost vineyards in the Rhône valley influence zone. Their Roussette de Savoie (Altesse grape) pairs magnificently with local lake fish. The tasting room overlooks dramatic lakeside vineyards.

What to do there

4 things to do

1. 1 Taste the 80-Year-Old Vine Mondeuse Wine · Free

   Savoie's indigenous red from ancient vines.

   Enter Cave de Chautagne in Ruffieux - free tastings, no reservation needed. Ask specifically for the Mondeuse from 80-year-old vines. It's spiced red fruits with soft tannins, and ages 10+ years. Mondeuse is Savoie's indigenous red - rarely found outside the region. Compare to their younger-vine version to taste the difference old vines make. Open Mon-Sat 9am-7pm (lunch break 12-2pm outside summer).

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2. 2 Learn the Glacier Collision Story History · Free · Optional

   Two glaciers crashing created Lac du Bourget and this terroir.

   Ask the staff about the geology. The Chautagne plain was created when two massive glaciers collided, forming Lac du Bourget (France's largest natural lake) and the unique alluvial soil. The 50 winemakers in this cooperative farm 100 hectares shaped by ice age geology. Look at the soil samples if they have them - the glacial deposits explain why these wines taste different from anywhere else.

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3. 3 Pair Roussette with Lake Perch Wine · Price: moderate

   The canonical local pairing since 1952.

   Taste the Roussette de Savoie (made from Altesse grape) and ask about lake fish pairings. Perche du lac (lake perch) fried crispy with Roussette is the local classic. Buy a bottle (€8-15) and head to a lakeside restaurant in nearby Aix-les-Bains to complete the pairing. The cooperative has been making this wine since 1952. Ask which Roussette vintage they recommend with fish.

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4. 4 Stock Up at the Délicatessen Counter Adventure · Price: low · Optional

   Local sausages, Comté, honey, and more.

   The Cave doubles as a local products shop. Browse the sausages, cheeses (including Comté and Tom de Savoie), honey, and fruit juices from the region. Build a picnic to take to the lakeshore. Ask which charcuterie pairs best with their Gamay rosé. They're open 7 days a week all year - one of the few reliable stops in rural Savoie.

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Insider tips

• The Mondeuse red is an underrated gem - try the barrel-aged version

• Visit on a market day in nearby Aix-les-Bains for cheese pairings

• Lake perch (perche du lac) with Chautagne white is the classic local pairing