La Cave Emmanuel Renaut treasure hunt for pre-1970s Savoie bottles

Browse the wine shop next to the 3-Michelin-star Flocons de Sel, stocked with rare Savoie vintages that most sommeliers have never heard of. Ask staff about old Michel Grisard bottles—if they have anything from the 1960s-70s, you've struck gold. Finding a pre-phylloxera or mid-century Apremont or Roussette is like discovering a first-edition book in a used bookstore. Even without rare vintages, buy current bottles featured at Flocons de Sel (these are wines you can't find outside the region) and request the staff's Chartreuse recommendations from their collection of bottles not on the restaurant's list.

What to do there

4 things to do

1. 1 Find La Cave Emmanuel Renaut during shop hours Wine · Free

   This is the wine shop for the 3-Michelin-star Flocons de Sel restaurant, where staff geek out with genuine wine lovers over carefully curated bottles. La Cave Emmanuel Renaut sits on Rue Saint-François in village center, next to Flocons Village (Emmanuel Renaut's casual restaurant), typically open 10:00-19:00 but check with hotel concierge first. Walk through village center from Place de l'Église toward Rue Saint-François and look for Flocons Village signage — La Cave is adjacent.

   Backup: If La Cave is closed (seasonal breaks or irregular hours), try L'Atelier Megève or La Cave des 2 Seigneur (1200+ references, between Megève and Combloux). Both have good Savoie selections, though not as specialized.

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2. 2 Ask about old Michel Grisard vintages Wine · Price: high

   Inside La Cave, after browsing the Savoie wine section, ask staff: 'Do you have any old Michel Grisard vintages?' If they have anything from the 1960s-70s, you've struck gold—wines from before most people were born, pre-dating the moon landing. Finding a pre-1970s Apremont or Roussette from Michel Grisard is like discovering a first-edition book. Budget €80-300+ per rare bottle (if available). Show genuine interest, not just collector mentality. Ask: 'Why are these old Savoie bottles so special?' They'll explain: Michel Grisard is a legendary producer, these vines survived phylloxera, pre-modern winemaking techniques.

   Backup: If no Michel Grisard available (he's rare), ask: 'What's the most interesting Savoie wine you have right now?' They'll show you something special—perhaps a rare Gringet (20ha planted worldwide) or a natural-process Jacquère from a small grower.

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3. 3 Ask about rare Chartreuse bottles and grower Champagnes History · Price: high

   After discussing Savoie wines, ask: 'Do you have any rare Chartreuse bottles that aren't on the Flocons de Sel restaurant list?' The shop sometimes has bottles not reserved for the restaurant—Green Chartreuse, Yellow Chartreuse, or limited editions (€40-200+ per bottle depending on rarity). Say 'I've heard Chef Renaut has an incredible Chartreuse collection. Can you tell me about it?' They'll share stories about his pre-1900 bottles and his 'guilty pleasure' for rare Chartreuse. Then ask: 'What Chartreuse can I actually buy to take home?' Also ask about grower Champagnes—La Cave specializes in small-producer Champagnes that punch above their price point (€40-100).

   Backup: If you're budget-conscious, focus on current-vintage Savoie wines featured at Flocons de Sel (€20-50/bottle). These are wines you literally cannot find outside the region, and they're affordable.

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4. 4 Buy bottles and request tasting notes for your purchases Wine · Price: moderate · Optional

   Buy 2-3 bottles at the counter: at least one Savoie wine (Jacquère, Roussette, or Chignin-Bergeron), and consider a Chartreuse or grower Champagne if budget allows. Ask staff: 'Can you write tasting notes and pairing suggestions for these bottles?' They'll provide handwritten notes or printed cards—guidance on when to drink, what foods to pair, optimal serving temperature. Budget €60-200 total for 2-3 quality bottles. Request: 'These are gifts—can you include information about the producers?' They'll add producer cards or history sheets.

   Backup: If you don't want to carry bottles while traveling, ask: 'Can I taste a Savoie wine here in the shop?' Some caves offer small tastings for serious buyers. Alternatively, buy just one bottle to drink that night at your accommodation—practical and budget-friendly.

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