Solar 2023 – Vin des Allobroges Altesse

The Elegance of Alpine Altesse

Solar 2023 is a tribute to the noble Altesse grape, a historic variety of Savoie that here reveals its most refined and authentic expression. Grown under organic and biodynamic principles, Solar is a luminous interpretation of Altesse, balancing purity, freshness, and depth.

A Unique Mountain Terroir

The vineyards extend over 2.5 hectares of limestone and degraded schist soils, situated on steep slopes with excellent exposure. The alpine climate, marked by cool nights and constant breezes, allows for slow ripening of the grapes, enhancing the wine’s minerality, aromatic complexity, and strong territorial identity.

Natural and Respectful Winemaking

The grapes undergo a gentle pressing and three days of cold stabilization while kept separate by parcel, followed by blending during alcoholic and malolactic fermentation. No added sulfites and minimal intervention preserve the authentic character of the variety and its terroir.

Amphora Aging for Precision and Purity

Solar 2023 is aged on fine lees in 500 L stoneware amphorae, a vessel that preserves freshness, verticality, and minerality without overshadowing the varietal’s finesse. The result is a vibrant, elegant, and persistent wine, with remarkable aging potential.

Limited and Artisanal Production

With only 1,000 bottles produced, Solar 2023 is a rare gem of mountain viticulture. Manual harvesting, high-density vineyards, and artisanal methods make it a wine for enthusiasts who seek authenticity, purity, and refinement in every glass.

Technical Sheet – Solar 2023

• Region: Savoie

• Grape variety: 100% Altesse

• Appellation: IGP Vin des Allobroges Altesse Blanche

• Vineyard size: 2.5 ha

• Soil: grey limestone and degraded schist

• Average vine age: –

• Farming: organic, biodynamic

• Harvest: manual

• Vinification: soft pressing, cold stabilization for 3 days, blending for alcoholic and malolactic fermentation

• Aging: on fine lees in 500 L stoneware amphorae

• Fining: –

• Filtration: light filtration before bottling

• SO₂ added: none

• Production: 1,000 bottles

L’Aitonnement: heroic viticulture in Savoie

Aiton is a small village in Savoie that once counted over 250 hectares of vineyards. Starting from the 1950s, however, these lands were progressively abandoned: the steep slopes made it impossible to use tractors, and working them was too complex and demanding. Of this ancient viticultural heritage, only a handful of hectares survived, including the 2.5 cultivated since 2016 by winemaker Maxime Dancoine, who founded his estate L’Aitonnement.

The legacy of a demanding yet precious terroir

Maxime took over the domaine of Bernard and Marido Bachellier, the last vignerons of Aiton. The vineyards lie on very steep slopes, with inclinations of up to 70%. Despite the challenges, the vines benefit from optimal southern exposure and a constant wind that keeps the microclimate dry and healthy. The soil is shallow, composed of grey limestone and degraded schist stones, under which numerous natural springs flow, bringing freshness and vitality to the vines.

Indigenous grape varieties and biodiversity

The ampelographic heritage of L’Aitonnement is extraordinary, partly unique. The main varieties are Mondeuse Noire, Jacquère Blanche, and Altesse, typical of Savoie. These are complemented by rare and ancient varieties such as Douce Noire, Persan, Joubertin Noir, Blanc de Maurienne, Mondeuse Grise and Blanche, Verdesse, and many others. This mosaic of grapes allows Maxime to craft wines that are complex, profound, and deeply connected to their terroir.

Winemaking philosophy and natural approach

At L’Aitonnement, winemaking is guided by respect for the environment and the natural expression of the fruit. Maxime uses sulfites in a moderate and reasoned way, based on direct observations about wine quality and longevity. The goal is to produce wines that are long-lived, fine, sincere, and full of personality, designed to shine in convivial moments.

Organic farming and extreme viticulture

Maxime works as a true heroic winemaker. The vineyards are farmed according to organic practices, with some principles of biodynamics. Harvesting is done entirely by hand, despite the extremely high planting density that exceeds 10,000 vines per hectare. A demanding choice that requires dedication and passion, but ensures authenticity, quality, and total respect for the unique terroir of Aiton.