Winter Wines From Three Regions Of France To Sample

During two days spent visiting exhibitors at Wine Paris 2025, I sampled impressive wines from different regions of France. Below are some notes about bottles that included flavors that were different, distinct or otherwise memorable.

Savoie

Cave Cruet. Sublime. AOP Roussette de Savoie. 2023. 90 points. €9.70. [Good Value ♫]

Made from the Altesse white grape, which is the second dominant grape in Savoie after Jacquère, this 12% alcohol wine include aromas of green grass, white pears, marshmallows and honey. Flavors include unripe pears and the mid palate has a honeyed varnish.

Domaine de l’Idylle. Anne de Lusignan. AOP Roussette de Savoie. 2023. 90+-91 points. €11.00. [Excellent Value ♫♫]

Named after the princess of Cyprus who became, through marriage in the 15^th century, the Duchess of Savoie. From the Altesse grape, this 12.5% alcohol wine includes aromas of marshmallows, green apples and honey, and flavors that include menthol and lime, with a bright finish.

Domaine Labbé. L’essentiel. Mondeuse. AOP Savoie. 2022. 90 points. €9.50. [Good Value ♫]

Made from the red Mondeuse grape, emblematic of Savoie, this ages in two year old Burgundy oak and includes aromas of raspberry jam, smoke, mocha and black licorice. The flavors include chewy dark fudge and biltong bathed in ebullient acidity.

Domaine Famille Montessuit. L’Insolite. 2016. 91 points. €15.00. [Good Value ♫]

From the Gringet grape grown on the slopes in front of Mont Blanc between 450 and 650 meters (1,475 and 2,130 feet) above sea level, this sparkling wine with 12% alcohol aged for 48 to 60 months. Aromas of fresh bread, limes and honey. The producer recommends pairing with arctic char with lemon and peppered beurre blanc.

Rhone Valley

Domaine des Pentelines. AOP Côtes du Rhone Villages Gadagne. Clara. 2023. 92+ points.

50/20/20/10 blend of Clairette/Marsanne/Roussanne/Ugni Blanc with bright aromas of menthol and mandarins. A soft, honeyed, beautiful mouth feel with complex flavors that include tropicals and fudge.

Domaine des Pentelines. AOP Côtes du Rhone Villages Gadagne. 2023. 94 points.

A 65/25/10 blend of 80-year old vine Grenache/Syrah/Mourvèdre with layered aromas that include bouillon and minestrone. Flavors of oxtail as well as blueberry jam in this delightfully unique wine with crunchy tannins and brilliant acidity.

Burgundy

Domaine Aegerter. Chardonnay. Bourgogne AOP. 2022. 93 points.

Prolonged aging in ceramic eggs for this angular yet also creamy wine. Elegant and easy drinking. Only 300 bottles produced.

Domaine Aegerter. Les Plateaux. Nuits Saint Georges AOC. 2023. 93-94 points.

12.5% alcohol in this soft, wispy, elegant red with flavors of young spring fruit. Classic Burgundian attraction here.