Domaine Chevallier Bernard 'Marestel' Roussette de Savoie, Savoie, France 2022

Chantal and Jean-Pierre Bernard are the husband and wife team who, after studying oenology in Beaune, took over the old Chevallier property in Jongieux in 1996. This picturesque town is the "capital" of the white grape Altesse. It sits east of Lyon near the base of the steep Mont de la Charvaz, named by serious cyclists as one of France's toughest climbs (slopes may reach up to 45 degrees!). It is on the slopes of this mountain, on the "Marestel" hillside cru above the village, that many of the best parcels of Altesse are planted. This personality-filled grape is obligatory in all AOC Roussette de Savoie wines.

• Winemaker: Chantal and Jean-Pierre Bernard
• Varieties: 100% Altesse
• Farming: Organic
• Terroir: Limestone soils
• Tasting Notes: Rich and weighty, with heady floral aromatics, notes of dried pineapple, sweet almond, and a hint of smoke. Would pair beautifully with dishes such as foie gras or scallops. 

From Our 2025 Bottle Cult Notes: 

The Savoie region of eastern France is a hidden treasure of alpine viticulture, nestled near the Swiss border where limestone cliffs rise dramatically from glacial valleys. It’s here, on the steep, south-facing slopes of Mont de la Charvaz, that Chantal and Jean-Pierre Bernard farm their 12.5 hectares of vineyards in the small commune of Jongieux—considered the heartland of the white Altesse grape that is locally known as Rousette.

Chantal & Jean-Pierre Bernard met while studying oenology in Beaune, France. They fell in love and after they finished studying they returned to Jean-Pierre’s roots in the Savoie in 1996 to revive the historic Chevallier property. Together, they’ve made it a family affair, now joined by their son, while also cultivating a deep respect for tradition and the environment. The couple farms sustainably under agriculture raisonnée principles, using no oak on their whites and aging wines in stainless steel and cement to preserve purity and expression of terroir.

The 2022 ‘Marestel’ Roussette de Savoie is 100% Altesse from their prized Marestel cru—an exceptional slope of limestone and glacial stones overlooking the Rhône Valley. Only 7,000 bottles are produced annually. The wine is aromatic and refined, with a bouquet of dried pineapple, sweet almond, and a touch of smoke. On the palate, it offers richness and lift: exotic citrus, a fine bitter edge, and a crystalline mineral finish that lingers with elegant precision. Truly a unique and thought provoking wine to try!

This wine drinks great on its own, but if you’re feeling hungry- enjoy this alpine white alongside dishes like pan-seared scallops, or with herby roast chicken on a cozy evening in. It also could be sneaky-pairing with sour cream and onion pringles!—Riley Shea, DECANTsf