2019 Philippe Grisard - Persan Savoie Fougueux (750ml)

Philippe Grisard represents the third generation of a winemaking family rooted in the Combe de Savoie, tracing back to his grandfather Joseph-Marie, who settled the area in the late 19th century and rebuilt vineyards there after phylloxera devastated the region. In 2010 Philippe chose to focus his work in Cruet, a small village at the base of the Massif des Bauges, dedicating himself fully to viticulture across six Savoie communes and cultivating a deep attachment to native Alpine grape varieties, including several nearly forgotten ones he has helped bring back into use.

Persan is one of those rare local grapes, an old red variety from the French Alps that fell into decline during the twentieth century before a handful of dedicated growers began reviving it. Grisard farms it on varied mountain terrain of clay-limestone, moraine, and scree, and the Fougueux bottling is crafted as a full varietal expression, aiming to preserve the grape's natural structure and character rather than smoothing it into a more familiar style.

The wine shows deep, violet-tinged red color with aromas of black fruit, pepper, violet, and a subtle smoky note. On the palate it is structured and fresh, with fine, silky tannins and good length. It suits red meat and game particularly well, and is best served slightly below room temperature.