Chignin Bergeron Raimpoupou 2024 Adrien Berlioz

The Chignin-Bergeron Raipoumpou 2024 from Adrien Berlioz is one of the most compelling and precious cuvées from this exceptional Savoyard winemaker. The name itself tells the story: Raipoumpou takes its name from a wild radish planted by Adrien's wife in their garden. A mischievous and poetic Savoyard name for a Roussanne of such purity and complexity that it rivals the greatest white wines from more celebrated neighbouring appellations. A haute-couture Roussanne.

Terroir and vineyards

Raipoumpou is a south-west facing parcel of Roussanne on steep argilo-calcareous hillsides, located beneath the towers of Chignin village. The Chignin-Bergeron AOC dates back to the 11th century, and Chignin's reputation has long been established. The terroir still bears the ruins of 7 medieval towers scattered throughout the vineyard. The vineyards extend at the foot of the Massif des Bauges and Montagne la Savoyarde. Chignin-Bergeron AOC covers the communes of Chignin, Francin and Montmélian and has been recognised since 1973. The grape variety is Roussanne, which originates from the Rhône valley and is also known locally as Bergeron. In 2006, Adrien Berlioz established himself in Chignin, the picturesque capital of Savoyard wine, founding the Cellier des Cray. The entire estate has been certified organic since 2012 thanks to Ecocert labelling, and is now also biodynamic. With 5 hectares, he has no wish to expand, preferring to concentrate on what matters most. Harvesting is done by hand in small crates, with a yield of 30 hl/ha. Winemaking includes direct pneumatic pressing away from air, gravity transfer to tank, static settling and fermentation with indigenous yeasts. Ageing takes place in vats for 6 to 8 months with regular stirring. The wine is unfined, unfiltered and sulphited minimally.

Tasting profile

Raipoumpou 2024 is a particularly deep Roussanne that opens quickly in the glass to reveal welcoming white and yellow fruit. As it evolves, subtle notes of candied citrus, white flowers and pear emerge. On the palate, the wine shows good amplitude, perfectly energised by vibrant acidity. Fine bitter notes at the finish are salivating. The first nose evokes candied citrus, airy florals, crunchy white fruits and white pepper. The palate balances on an acid-fat relationship close to perfection. Silky, flavourful richness envelops the palate with persistence. Held by a thread of minerality and freshness, it is pure pleasure, delivering yellow fruits with juicy, delicate flesh.

The domaine

Son of a winemaker and cousin to the celebrated Gilles Berlioz, his family passed on his first vineyard rows. Chignin's finage is composed of glacial moraines on an argilo-calcareous bedrock. On these soils, Adrien works to produce great terroir-driven wines while respecting his vines and his team. The estate now comprises 13 well-defined vineyard parcels. Each micro-terroir corresponds to a cuvée specially vinified to express the character of the place.

Food pairings

This Chignin-Bergeron Raipoumpou pairs beautifully with Savoyard crayfish à l'armoricaine. Smoked turbot with Roussanne vine shoots and cep risotto is equally accomplished. It also pairs well with pan-fried scallops with tarragon butter, alpine trout with almonds, crayfish tail gratin or lake fish in creamy sauce. Served at 12°C, it will reveal all the aromatic purity and mineral tension of a great Roussanne from Savoie.