Maison des Ardoisières - Silice Blanc 2024
Maison des Ardoisières continues the legacy of the famous Domaine des Ardoisières, located in Savoie and having become in just a few years one of the major references for the qualitative revival of Alpine wines. Founded at the end of the 1990s by Michel Grisard and later developed by Brice Omont, the estate is known for the re-cultivation of steep slopes around Saint-Pierre-de-Soucy and Fréterive, where the vines are planted on spectacular terraces overlooking the Isère valley. Maison des Ardoisières complements this work by producing certain cuvées from grapes selected by the estate’s team, always with the same precision and respect for the terroir. This approach allows for wines that remain true to the Savoyard identity while being accessible in style. The Silice Blanc cuvée follows this logic, highlighting the purity of Alpine grape varieties and the influence of silica-rich soils that deeply mark the wine’s profile. Produced under the Vin de France or IGP designation depending on the batches, it illustrates a contemporary and precise interpretation of the Savoyard vineyard.
Silice Blanc 2024 is mainly made from Jacquère, an emblematic grape variety of Savoie known for its natural freshness and its ability to finely express mountain terroirs. The grapes come from carefully selected parcels cultivated according to organic principles, with particular attention to manual work and cluster selection. The vinification favors a low-intervention approach with fermentations carried out using indigenous yeasts to preserve the fruit’s identity. The aging, generally conducted in tanks for several months, aims to maintain the tension and aromatic purity characteristic of this Alpine variety. Moderate yields and a search for balance give rise to a wine that is upright, precise, and particularly clear in its varietal expression. This cuvée thus offers a modern interpretation of Jacquère, more structured and expressive than traditional regional styles.
On the palate, Silice Blanc 2024 reveals a delicate nose dominated by notes of citrus, green apple, and white fruits, accompanied by floral nuances and a minerality evoking wet stone. The mouth is distinguished by a lively and slender texture, supported by a clean acidity that highlights the grape’s freshness. The balance rests on tension and aromatic purity, with flavors of citrus, white peach, and a subtle herbal touch that prolongs the sensation of freshness. The finish, straight and salivating, reveals a slight noble bitterness reminiscent of almond and accentuating the mineral dimension of the wine. This Alpine white is particularly well suited as an aperitif but also pairs well with grilled fish, seafood, or Savoyard cheeses. In its youth, it seduces with immediate vivacity while retaining the capacity to evolve over a few years in bottle towards more complex nuances.
Grape variety: 100% Jacquère
