Domaine Eugene Carrel is located in the village of Jongieux, which is the largest of the 17 appellations of the Savoie region, in the beginnings of the French Alps. It is situated about 40 miles southwest of Geneva, in between the Rhone River (near its start) and Lake Bourget, France's largest lake. The Jongieux vineyards are very steep, southwest facing slopes created by ancient glaciers. The altitude is between 400 and 500 meters, yet the microclimate is very warm. The privileged clay-limestone slopes of the Jongieux appellation allow the grapes to ripen more fully than in any other Savoy regions, due to 2-3 hours more sun daily. As a result, the wines are not only fuller, but also more balanced and fresher, because there is far less need for chaptalization. Indeed, the regions’ top Cru, Marestel, is located in Jongieux.

Domaine Carrel’s clients include virtually every local restaurant, Paris bistros, as well as top Savoie gastronomic destinations such as Veyrat. Little wonder, then, that their wines were unknown in the USA -- until now! Sebastian Carrel, who represents the third generation at the estate, has recently expanded his property and sought to export a small proportion of his production. The estate cultivates the traditional varieties of the region, namely Jacquere (sold as Vin de Savoie Jongieux Banc), Altesse, and the unique red Mondeuse.

The Jongieux Blanc, made from the native Jacquere grape, exemplifies Hugh Johnson's characterization of this varietal: "you are drinking bottled mountain air." Working with fully ripe, yet delicate grapes with a low natural sugar/alcohol level, Carrel uses a pneumatic press to extract flavor and aromas, and ferments in stainless steel tanks at lower temperatures. He blocks the malolactic fermentation and keeps a small amount of the wine’s natural CO2 to further enhance its freshness and vitality. Bottling takes place in January, after the wine is stabilized in the naturally cold Alpine ambiance.

The Altesse, also known as Rousette de Savoie, ripens more fully and is never chapaltalized. The region’s warm microclimate enables this unique varietal, which originated in Cyprus and was planted in the Savoy region for the first time in the 15th century, to thrive. Indeed, although it was wiped out by phyloxera, the Altesse was replanted in Jongieux after WWII. Carrel ferments places in thermo-regulated tanks and allows malolactic formation to occur for only two-thirds of the volume, to ensure that the wine is both lively and rich. The wine’s ample texture and apple, citrus, apricot, and melon notes place it somewhere in between a Chardonnay from the Cotes de Beaune and a Marsanne-Rousane from the Rhone.

Mondeuse, the region’s principal red grape, is deeply colored and tastes of spicy, wild berries and dark plums. It ripens late, and Carrel prunes severely and strips leaves to enhance maturity of the fruit. Carrel ages his Mondeuse in neutral oak casks for 8 months to allow its structure and power to come into balance before release. This wine is prized with local game and cheese dishes.

While the Savoyard varietals maybe unknown, and the labeling somewhat confusing, the three Domaine Carrel wines deliver original and expressive flavors that are in perfect harmony with the wide variety of foods we enjoy today. They are compelling and accessible wines from a superb winemaker that await discovery.