The Chamiot family has owned vineyards in the picturesque Apremont appellation of the Savoie for several generations, and the young Romain has recently taken the reigns from his grandparents to continue the lineage. Seven hectares scattered among 30 parcels, nearly all planted to the local white cepage Jacquère, make up the vast majority of the domaine. A miniscule 0.2ha parcel of Mondeuse, near the cepage’s de-facto capital of Arbin, also registers on their holdings, however not enough is made for export.
Most of the vines are tended by hand, due to the slopes characterizing much of the region. A few flat parcels in the valley are farmed by tractor. A large percentage of the vineyards are planted to old vines, the majority 40 to 50 years of age, with some parcels reaching 80 years from the original date of planting. Harvest usually extends over a two-week period and is done parcel-by-parcel as the grapes ripen.
 |
Aprémont: A pleasant and straightforward wine, it is clean and lively on the palate, with a bit of flesh brought about by a few grams of residual sugar. All stages of fermentation and elevage are in cuve (a mix of stainless steel and enamel), and the mountainous terrain, coupled with a dry climate, keep the grapes clean and free of moisture-related problems, allowing for an exceptionally low addition of sulphur. |
 |
Romain exploits a minuscule 0.2-hectare hillside parcel of 80-year-old Mondeuse in Apremont itself. After a natural fermentation in stainless steel, the wine spends a year in older barriques before bottling. It is a particularly vibrant, complex Mondeuse, the old vines lending it a deeply sappy and concentrated fruit character. Only 40 or so cases make their way into the US each vintage. |
Romain Chamiot Intro |
Aprémont |
Mondeuse |
From Savoie, White Wines That Refresh Like Mountain Air
This Alpine region in eastern France was little known until recently. Its gorgeous wines are distinctive and immediately appealing. By Eric Asimov July 8, 2021 Places like Savoie exist all over historic wine areas, little-known cul-de-sacs that are suddenly embraced by the outside world, though the residents have been making wine there for centuries. Then
Mondeuse Savoie (Chamiot) 2015
What a terrific wine we have at the table tonight! The Mondeuse 2015 from Romain Chamiot is racy and joyous. Classic Alpine notes of pine resin and wild berry fruit with vigorous acidity and impeccable balance. Very much proof of the nobility of Mondeuse when planted on these sub-Alpine plateaus. Excellent value as well! NIR
