Domaine des Ardoisières Schiste Blanc

Vintage: 2022

Origin: Savoie, France (Vin des Allobroges)

Grapes: Jaquère 40%, Roussane 30%, Malvoisie 20%, Mondeuse Blanche 10%

Alcohol: 12%

Schiste is the domaine's top white cuvée, sourced from an extraordinary terroir – a south-facing terraced vineyard on a vertigo-inducing 60% slope where bush vines are planted straight into metamorphic mica-schist bedrock. With yields of just 25hl/ha, this Jacquère-dominant blend is fermented with indigenous yeasts in barrels that have seen three to five previous wines, then aged for a year to develop complexity. The nose is wonderfully comforting, reminiscent of rice pudding, whilst the palate shows beautiful concentration with apricot, pear, toasted nuts, and orange blossom all held together by taut acidity. It's equal parts zip and texture with a drive that's genuinely impressive, moving from orchard to tropical fruit profiles with spice-laden character that's utterly moreish. This is a special bottle that proves Savoie can produce wines of the highest quality – one that will be fascinating to follow over the coming years.