Vignes et vins de Savoie, vingt siècles d'histoire (French Edition) by Maurice Messiez

Vines and Wines of Savoie, Twenty Centuries of History by Maurice Messiez is a fascinating exploration of the ancient wine-making tradition of the vineyards of Savoie, spanning over twenty centuries. This captivating book immerses us in the history and richness of these unique terroirs, nestled in an incomparable natural setting, between the lakes of Bourget and Geneva.

The vineyards of Savoie, climbing up to 700 meters in altitude, spread across the sunny slopes of the mountains and hills, offering ideal conditions for vine cultivation. The combination of vines, cold, and snow becomes possible thanks to optimal sunlight, protected from wind and humidity.

Once the domain of clerics and nobles, the vine has long governed the lives of Savoyard peasants. These, through hard work, managed to cultivate original grape varieties well adapted to local conditions, such as Altesse, Jacquère, Chasselas, Gringet, Mondeuse, and Persan. Although these vineyards have significantly declined since the phylloxera crisis, they have managed to be reborn and thrive in strategic areas such as the Combe de Savoie, the Cluse de Chambéry, the banks of the Rhône, and the surroundings of the large lakes.

Today, Savoie wines enjoy national and international recognition, with classifications in AOC or Vins de pays d'Allobrogie. These wines, from preserved terroirs and cultivated with passion, reflect an ancestral know-how passed down from generation to generation.

The book also gives significant importance to the vine nurseries of the Combe de Savoie. These nurseries are a testament to the ingenuity of Savoyard winemakers who, in response to phylloxera, developed robust and adapted vine plants. Today, these nurseries are the main French suppliers of vine plants, both for the national territory and for export.

Furthermore, Maurice Messiez invites us to delve into the cousin wine-growing terroirs of Valais and the Aosta Valley, offering us an enriching perspective on the similarities and specificities of these nearby regions.

Vines and Wines of Savoie, Twenty Centuries of History is an indispensable work for wine enthusiasts, historians, and anyone interested in wine heritage. It combines historical rigor, passion for the vine, and love for the Savoyard terroir, making this book a true homage to an exceptional wine region.

Additional Information:

• Format: Paperback
• EAN13: 9782811000011
• ISBN: 978-2-8110-0001-1
• Publisher: Le Dauphiné libéré
• Publication Date: 06/2009
• Collection: Les Patrimoines
• Number of Pages: 51
• Dimensions: 21 x 15 x 0.4 cm
• Weight: 150 g
• Language: French

This book is not only a guide to understanding the particularities of Savoie wines, but also an open window on the history of a region whose viticulture has shaped its identity over the centuries.