NV Blard et Fils Crémant de Savoie "Brut Alpin", Savoie, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

Brut nature zero dosage, this pretty Crémant de Savoie comes from Jacquère and Chardonnay magnificently exposed to the South-East. The palate is fresh and tense, backed by a fine and delicious bubble and the finish is tasty and saline. The base wine was aged for 8 months in barrels and vats. The wine sees an additional 24 to 36 months of bottle aging. Great as an aperitif or with light fare.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Jean-Noël and Thomas Blard (father and son) have been taking their five-generation family domain to an upswing in the last twenty years, while also moving to organic and natural practices. ⁣They are making fantastic wines in the Apremont region in Savoie, in the French Alps. Along with a few other winemakers from the area, they are helping promote the potential and intrigue of Savoie.⁣

Their lineup is wide, and spans across many grapes and styles but they definitely excel with the Jacquère and Altesse grapes, which are favorites in the area. Thomas, who is in charge now, really elevated the white wines made from these varieties to the next level, way above the cheesy “ski & raclette” cliché, making them great options for the most refined tables.⁣

Today, Blard wines are on the menu of many of the Michelin-Starred restaurants in the region, especially, at Flocons de Sels, the 3-star establishment of Emmanuel Renaut in Megève, who is one of their best ambassadors. Thomas also continued to move the wine in the direction of natural farming and winemaking.

As of 2020, the whole vineyard has embraced organic farming, and are now officially certified. In the cellar as well, Thomas has been taking a step further, pushing the boundaries and converting to a more natural approach. All wines are now made without addition of yeast, relying on spontaneous fermentation. SO2 levels have been reduced and Thomas even started producing his first “zero-zero” cuvée in 2020.