Altesse (Roussette)

Altesse is indigenous to the Savoie region of France, with its name translating to 'Highness' in French, a fitting title for a grape of such character. Legend credits Duke Amédée II with bringing the variety from Cyprus in 1432 as a gift for his son's wedding, though a French Alpine origin is considered more probable. The grape was historically referred to as Roussette, a name now reserved for the wines produced from it rather than the variety itself. Genetically, Altesse shows a relationship to Swiss Chasselas, reinforcing its Alpine heritage.

• Name translates to 'Highness' in French
• Legendary Cypriot origin dates to 1432, though Alpine origin is more likely
• The name 'Roussette' now refers to wines, not the grape variety
• Genetic links confirmed to Swiss Chasselas

Altesse thrives in the cool alpine and continental climate of Savoie, with vineyards planted between 250 and 600 meters elevation. The soils are predominantly limestone-based, including clay-limestone and scree, all well-drained. These conditions, combined with alpine and Mediterranean influences, contribute to the variety's signature high acidity and aromatic intensity. The tight bunch structure and small berry size make Altesse naturally resistant to grey rot, though powdery and downy mildew require vigilant management.

• Vineyards sit at 250 to 600 meters elevation
• Limestone, clay-limestone, and scree soils provide good drainage
• Alpine and continental climate with some Mediterranean influence
• Small, tight bunches resist grey rot but require mildew management

Altesse produces full-bodied dry whites with a distinctive aromatic signature. Floral notes of honeysuckle, acacia, and violet are accompanied by citrus and herbal characters on the nose. The palate delivers bergamot, hazelnut, almond, and honey alongside a mineral thread. High natural acidity is the variety's most important asset, enabling wines to develop gracefully over three to five years or more. Winemakers may use oak aging to add further texture and complexity. Altesse also plays a role in sparkling wine production under Crémant de Savoie and Seyssel appellations.

• Floral aromas: honeysuckle, acacia, violet
• Flavor profile: bergamot, hazelnut, almond, honey, and minerality
• High acidity supports aging potential of three to five or more years
• Produced as still, oak-aged, and sparkling styles

Altesse is the exclusive variety in Roussette de Savoie AOC, a rule codified in 1999. It also appears in Roussette du Bugey AOC across the border. Within Roussette de Savoie, four named crus carry additional prestige: Frangy, Marestel, Monthoux, and Monterminod. The variety is classified on France's List A of authorized varieties. With fewer than 1,000 hectares planted globally and the vast majority in Savoie, Altesse remains one of the most geographically concentrated major white wine grapes in France.

• Roussette de Savoie AOC: 100% Altesse required since 1999
• Four crus: Frangy, Marestel, Monthoux, and Monterminod
• Also permitted in Roussette du Bugey AOC
• Fewer than 1,000 hectares planted worldwide