{"id":79001,"date":"2023-06-07T07:30:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-07T05:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ovonetwork.com\/blog\/?p=79001"},"modified":"2023-06-12T11:25:02","modified_gmt":"2023-06-12T09:25:02","slug":"alpine-drinks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ovonetwork.com\/blog\/alpine-drinks\/","title":{"rendered":"Must-try Alpine drinks for your next holiday"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

From small-scale distillers to traditional spirits, the French Alps are home to a whole range of drinks that will delight you!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, you will discover the wines, beers, liqueurs and other spirits that will tickle your tastebuds and make your head spin (but not too much!).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A delicious meal to share with friends, a fondue Savoyarde with white wine is a typical mountain dish \u00a9Agap\u2019pro<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Wines of the Alps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Chignin-Bergeron<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This white wine is a jewel of the Alps, produced from the Roussanne or \u201cBergeron\u201d grape variety in Savoie. It boasts fruity and floral notes and is produced by houses such as Domaine Jean Vullien. The name comes from the village of Chignin, where vines have been grown on steep hillsides since the Middle Ages. You can also buy it at Maison Vullien<\/a><\/strong> in Fr\u00e9terive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n \n <\/symbol>\n<\/svg>\n\n\n\n

Book a chalet in the Alps<\/h2>\n\n
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Mondeuse d\u2019Arbin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This robust, spicy red wine is produced mainly in the Arbin region of Savoie. The vineyards of Domaine <\/a><\/strong>Trosse<\/strong>t<\/a> produce a high-quality Mondeuse d\u2019Arbin, with aromas of red fruit and pepper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mondeuse d\u2019Arbin is perfect with a beef casserole \u00a9Maison Trosset<\/a> & Elle \u00e0 table<\/a>.<\/sub><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cr\u00e9mant de Savoie<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This recent appellation (2015) refers to sparkling wines produced using the traditional method. And Domaine Belluard<\/a><\/strong>\u2018s Cr\u00e9mant de Savoie, with its fine bubbles and complex bouquet, is an outstanding example of this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Roussette de Savoie<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A white wine typical of the region, Roussette de Savoie offers notes of ripe fruit, almonds and honey. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grown mainly around Lake Annecy by passionate winemakers such as Domaine Dupasquier, this variety has a history stretching back centuries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re keen to pick up a bottle, you can find it in local cellars such as the Cave du Ch\u00e2teau<\/a><\/strong> in Annecy, or find out more about its story on Un jour un vin<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Roussette de Savoie and Tartiflette \u2013 a perfect partnership. \u00a9Domaine de M\u00e9jane<\/a> & Cuisine<\/a><\/sub><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n \n <\/symbol>\n<\/svg>\n\n\n\n

Discover wine in Annecy<\/h2>\n\n
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Vin de Paille<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This highly-concentrated dessert wine is made from grapes dried on straw racks. Domaine Pignier in the Jura produces a Vin de Paille with intense aromas of dried fruit, honey and spices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n \n <\/symbol>\n<\/svg>\n\n\n\n

Book my stay in the Aravis<\/h2>\n\n
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Alpine craft beers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

La Brasserie du Mont-Blanc<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

La Brasserie du Mont-Blanc produces exceptional beers, made using water from Alpine glaciers. The Blanche, for example, is a light, refreshing beer with notes of citrus fruit and coriander. The brewery was founded in 1830 but has stood the test of time to produce some unique beers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can find them in specialist shops or on their website<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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La Verte and La Blanche are the flagship beers of the s phares de la Brasserie du Mont Blanc. \u00a9Brewnation<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Brasserie artisanale de Lanslevillard<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A hidden gem in the Maurienne Valley, The Brasserie artisanale de Lanslevillard\u2019s speciality is \u201cCervoise des Gli\u00e8res\u201d, which is an amber beer with notes of honey and dried fruit. The brewery was established in 2010 and grew from a passion for brewing and local produce. The beer is available online and in selected bars and beer cellars in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Brasserie du Grand Bornand<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This Haute-Savoie brewery<\/a><\/strong> is renowned for La Bornandine beer, a light blonde with floral and fruity notes. The beer is made with local spring water by a team who are proud of their traditional knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n \n <\/symbol>\n<\/svg>\n\n\n\n

Discover Le Grand-Bornand<\/h2>\n\n
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La Brasserie Alphand<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Alphand craft brewery<\/a><\/strong> in Brian\u00e7on offers a range of tasty beers, including \u201cLa Brian\u00e7onnaise\u201d lager. This beer, brewed with mountain water, has well-balanced malty and hoppy notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

La Brasserie des C\u00eemes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This brewery from Aix-les-Bains<\/a><\/strong> is known for its environmentally-friendly approach and its commitment to quality products. Their \u2018Piste Noire\u2019, an amber beer with notes of caramel and dried fruit, is a fine example of the art of Alpine brewing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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La Brasserie des Cimes, a traditional craft brewery \u00a9Moka Mag<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

La Brasserie Artisanale des 2 Savoie<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This brewery in Chamb\u00e9ry produces a wide range of beers, including Savoie IPA \u2013 a golden-coloured beer with a lovely bitterness and notes of exotic fruit. It\u2019s a great discovery for lovers of hoppy beers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n \n <\/symbol>\n<\/svg>\n\n\n\n

Find your dream chalet in Meg\u00e8ve-Evasion Mont-Blanc<\/h2>\n\n
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Traditional Alpine liqueurs and spirits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Chartreuse<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This legendary plant-based liqueur has been produced by Carthusian monks since the 17th century. Emerald green in colour, it has a complex, powerful aroma. Chartreuse is produced at the Voiron distillery, where you can visit the museum and buy this unique liqueur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

G\u00e9n\u00e9pi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This liqueur is made by macerating the flowers of the G\u00e9n\u00e9pi plant, which grows at high altitudes. With its beautiful golden colour and sweet, aromatic taste, G\u00e9n\u00e9pi is often produced on a small scale. However, the Distillerie des Alpes<\/a><\/strong> in Annecy is one of the few distilleries to produce G\u00e9n\u00e9pi on a large scale, as it requires traditional expertise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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G\u00e9n\u00e9pi, the strength and gentleness of the mountains. \u00a9Le refuge de Marie-Louise.<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

La Vuln\u00e9raire<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Less well known, this liqueur made from Alpine plants has a slightly bitter taste, along with sweet notes. It is an artisanal product, produced by small manufacturers such as Distillerie du Vercors<\/a><\/strong>. Vulneraria has been used since medieval times for its medicinal properties and can be found in local produce shops or online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n \n <\/symbol>\n<\/svg>\n\n\n\n

Find a chalet in the Alps<\/h2>\n\n
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Myrtille liqueur<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Alps is a region rich in \u201cmyrtilles\u201d or bilberries, the little blue fruits that grow wild. Bilberry liqueur is a sweet, fruity spirit with pronounced berry notes and the Distillerie Morand<\/a><\/strong> in Valais is renowned for making their own exceptional version of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Liqueur des Aravis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This traditional alcoholic beverage comes from the Aravis region of the French Alps. It\u2019s a region renowned for its natural wealth and biodiversity, which inspires many local products, including this famous liqueur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Distillerie des Aravis<\/a><\/strong>, in La Clusaz, is famous for its Aravis liqueur, which is produced following a traditional recipe, using plants hand-picked from the surrounding mountains. The distillery offers tours and tastings, so you can discover not only the liqueur, but also the skills and passion behind its production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A bottle of Aravis liqueur, marked with the seal of the distillery. \u00a9La Clusaz<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Pousse d\u2019\u00e9pinette<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This traditional liqueur from the Alps is made by macerating fir shoots in alcohol. It has a unique resinous taste, which is both sweet and slightly bitter. La Maison des Alpes<\/a><\/strong>, in Haute-Savoie, produces an authentic version of Pousse d\u2019\u00e9pinette, so make sure to give it a try!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n \n <\/symbol>\n<\/svg>\n\n\n\n

Book an unforgettable holiday in the Alps<\/h2>\n\n
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Other traditional drinks from the Alps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Alpine mead<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Although mead (which is named hydromel in French) is often associated with medieval times, it is still produced in the Alps. This fermented honey-based drink has sweet, fruity notes and can be bought from La Miellerie des C\u00eemes in the Beaufortain region, directly from their honey farm<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marc de Savoie<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A typical regional eau-de-vie, or brandy, Marc de Savoie is produced from pomace \u2013 the residue after the grapes are pressed in the wine-making process. It is a strong spirit with aromas of fruit and undergrowth. Domaine Dupasquier<\/a><\/strong>, in Jongieux, produces an exceptional Marc de Savoie, which can be bought online or in wine cellars in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Marc de Savoie has a unique and unusual taste. \u00a9Maison Dolin<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ch\u00e8vre des Alpes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ch\u00e8vre des Alpes<\/a><\/strong>, a speciality of the Hautes-Alpes, is made from fermented apple must and pear brandy. The combination is aged in oak casks, producing a sweet, fruity drink and the Distillerie Eyguebelle<\/a><\/strong> is one of the leading producers of the drink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fine de Clairette<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is a brandy made by distilling Clairette wine, which has a fruity, slightly spicy flavour, originating from the Die region. If you\u2019re looking for somewhere to buy it, the Distillerie Comte de Grignan produces a top-quality Fine de Clairette.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ratafia des Alpes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ratafia is a drink made by adding brandy to unfermented grape must, which preserves the natural sweetness of the grapes and is generally served as an aperitif or digestif. It can be found at the Distillerie Meunier<\/a><\/strong> in Is\u00e8re.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n \n <\/symbol>\n \n \n \n <\/symbol>\n<\/svg>\n\n\n\n

Book your chalet<\/h2>\n\n
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From vineyards to breweries, via ancestral distilleries, the richness and diversity of the spirits produced in the French Alps reflect a unique terroir and expertise handed down from generation to generation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To get the full picture, you could visit specialist cellars such as La Cave du Ch\u00e2teau<\/a> in Annecy or La Maison Vullien<\/a> in Fr\u00e9terive, which offer tastings and a unique range of products. Each bottle tells a story, combining generations of knowledge and contemporary passion. So raise your glass to the incredible diversity and excellence of French Alpine spirits!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, if you\u2019ve enjoyed this article, you might also like to read:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n