Altesse
Savoie's Noble Lady
Altesse is grown in Savoie, Bugey and Seyssel.
2other names
- Tastes of
- apricot, honey, hazelnut and white flowers
- Goes with
- beaufort cheese, gratin savoyard and crayfish
- Also called
- Roussette, Roussette de Savoie
The story
Altesse—also called Roussette—is Savoie's noble white grape, producing age-worthy wines with apricot, honey, and hazelnut notes. While Jacquère is everyday, Altesse is for special occasions.
Insider story
Legend says Altesse arrived in Savoie in the 15th century, brought from Cyprus by a Savoyard princess. True or not, the grape produces Savoie's most distinguished whites.
Altesse makes 'Roussette de Savoie'—a step above basic Vin de Savoie. The wines are richer, more aromatic, more age-worthy than Jacquère. Serious Savoyard producers focus on it.
Seyssel is Altesse's premier cru—an appellation for still and sparkling Altesse. Seyssel Brut (traditional method) is excellent and obscure. Seyssel still is honeyed and complex.
The grape's aromatics develop with age. Young Altesse is fresh and citric; aged Altesse shows honey, hazelnut, and complexity. Serious bottles improve for 10-15 years.
Altesse is a genetic mystery. DNA studies show no clear relatives. It may be genuinely ancient—a survivor from before grape varietal categorization.
Technical deep dive
Altesse produces full-bodied whites with moderate acidity (5.5-6.5 g/L), aromatic complexity, and aging potential. Alcohol reaches 12.5-13.5%.
Flavor profile: apricot, honey, hazelnut, white flowers, citrus. The honeyed character develops with age—young Altesse is fresher and citric.
The grape ripens late (October), limiting production to Savoie's warmest sites. Cool years produce thin, acidic wine.
Winemaking: stainless steel for freshness, or oak for complexity. Extended lees aging adds texture. Sparkling Altesse (Seyssel) uses traditional method with 18+ months on lees.
The grape's aromatic complexity suits serious winemaking. This is Savoie's answer to white Burgundy.
Industry secrets
Altesse ages beautifully—10-15 years for quality examples. Honey and hazelnut notes develop, creating complex, interesting wine.
Seyssel is the secret insider appellation. The sparkling version ($20-30) rivals $40+ Crémants. Still Seyssel is equally impressive.
Altesse pairs with rich alpine dishes—beaufort cheese, gratins, cream-based dishes. Unlike Jacquère, it can handle richness.
The grape's rarity keeps prices low. $20-35 buys age-worthy, complex Savoyard white.
For collectors
Investment grade C
- Auction records
- No auction presence
- Blue-chip producers
-
- Domaine Dupasquier
- Domaine Lupin
- Maison Mollex
- Domaine de l'Idylle
- Value picks
- Roussette de Savoie ($15-25), Seyssel ($20-35)
- Price trend
- Stable. Growing slowly as alpine wines gain attention.
- Collector’s tip
- Ages 10-15 years. Buy quality Roussette de Savoie and cellar—one of France's most undervalued age-worthy whites.