Lake Annecy rediscovers its vines, 50 years after their disappearance
Hands in the ground, Philippe Héritier plants vines in a sumptuous setting, with a view overlooking Lake Annecy. Helped by an army of volunteers, he reconstituted a vineyard of 7,000 young vines. “It’s been more than half a century since the hillsides of the lake have seen any vines. We will find the landscape of yesteryear above Talloires, ”he rejoices.
The project was launched by the owner of the land, René Gavila. “He is a history buff. When he came across old postcards of Lake Annecy, he realized that his property was once covered with vines and took it into his head to rehabilitate his plot, one of the few still untouched villas here”. says winemaker Philippe Héritier, catching his breath between two plantations that were to live for a hundred years.
“On our menu, a wine that comes from our village”
The go-between between the owner and the winemaker is none other than Jean Sulpice, two-star chef at the Auberge du Père Bise, the village’s gastronomic institution. “One day, I suggested the idea to René. I simply put him in touch with Philippe where I get my supplies, and whose farm is not far away, in Poisy. It’s really exciting to think that one day we will be able to offer a wine from our village on our menu. »
The grape varieties are old Savoyard varieties, now rediscovered: Mondeuse Blanche and Doux Noire for the red. “Few tannins and sweet”, describes Philippe Héritier who cultivates biodynamically. The first cuvées stamped Lac d’Annecy are supposed to be released in 2025. “I’ll be there to make the pickers’ meal!” promises chef Jean Sulpice.