Why Alpine Wines Deserve a Spot in Your Fridge
Cool, clean, and quietly compelling — Alpine wines are having their moment. These high-altitude bottles, often made from lesser-known grapes in dramatic mountain settings, are winning over sommeliers and adventurous drinkers alike.
If you haven’t yet added Alpine wines to your rotation, here’s why they deserve a place in your fridge (and on your table).
What Defines an Alpine Wine?
Alpine wines come from vineyards nestled in or near mountainous regions — typically in the Alps or their foothills. What unites them isn’t a single grape or country, but a shared climate and geography that shapes their style.
These are wines defined by:
• Altitude: High-elevation vineyards mean cooler temperatures and longer growing seasons, leading to natural acidity and elegance.
• Mineral-rich soils: Glacial deposits and mountain terrain impart texture and freshness.
• Indigenous grape varieties: From Jacquère to Lagrein, many Alpine wines are made from grapes rarely seen outside the region.
• Small-scale, traditional producers: Many wines come from family-run estates with deep regional ties.
The result? Wines that feel pure, precise, and deeply rooted in place.
Where Are Alpine Wines Made?
Alpine regions span several countries, each with its own distinctive styles. Notable Alpine wine zones include:
• Savoie & Jura (France): Crisp whites from Jacquère, Altesse, and Chardonnay, plus delicate reds from Poulsard and Trousseau.
• Alto Adige & Trentino (Italy): Aromatic whites like Gewürztraminer and Kerner, and structured reds like Schiava and Lagrein — often made in a mix of Germanic and Italian traditions.
• Valais (Switzerland): Complex whites from Petite Arvine and Fendant (Chasselas), with a handful of age-worthy reds.
• Styria (Austria/Slovenia): Steep vineyards produce vibrant Sauvignon Blanc and earthy Pinot Noir.
While these regions have long local traditions, they’re still under the radar internationally — which means plenty of value and surprise for open-minded drinkers.
What Do Alpine Wines Taste Like?
Alpine wines share a clean, linear profile — often with herbal, floral, or citrus notes. Some hallmarks include:
• Bright acidity and low alcohol
• Saline, mineral, or stony qualities
• Aromatic lift, especially in whites
• Red berries and alpine herbs in lighter-bodied reds
• Freshness over fruitiness — they’re more about feel than flash
These are wines that refresh, not overwhelm. They’re elegant, food-friendly, and often made with restraint and finesse.
Why Sommeliers Love Alpine Wines
Alpine wines tick several boxes for modern wine professionals:
• Versatility with food: Their acidity and minerality pair beautifully across cuisines.
• Surprising stories: Indigenous grapes and historic methods make for great table-side talking points.
• Sustainability: Many Alpine growers use organic or low-intervention techniques — mountain farming naturally limits industrial approaches.
• Seasonal appeal: These wines feel particularly well-suited to spring and summer, offering a crisp contrast to fuller winter styles.
In short: they’re thoughtful wines that invite discovery — and make your palate sit up and pay attention.
What to Try First
Looking to start your Alpine journey? Here are a few gateway bottles to watch for:
• Jacquère from Savoie: Light, dry, and whispery — a natural match for shellfish or mountain cheeses.
• Petite Arvine from Switzerland: Crisp and salty with citrus and white flowers.
• Lagrein from Alto Adige: A silky, violet-tinged red with alpine spice.
• Schiava (a.k.a. Vernatsch): Bright, juicy and chillable — perfect with charcuterie or grilled vegetables.
• Jura Chardonnay (or Savagnin): Nutty, oxidative whites with remarkable ageing potential.
Explore Alpine Wines with Us
Looking to start your Alpine journey? Begin with:
• Arpepe Rosso di Valtellina: Grown in the Italian Alps, this Nebbiolo offers mountain finesse with cherry, herbs, and lift — a sommelier favourite.
• Schiava or Lagrein (watch this space — we’re sourcing)
• Jura whites or Petite Arvine (not in stock currently but styles we’re eyeing)
• Or try the mineral-etched precision of Pinot Noir from Burgundy, like Domaine Jean Marc Pillot — not Alpine, but similarly elegant and expressive.
At Raravina, we seek out wines that offer clarity and quiet power — like the Arpepe Rosso di Valtellina, which speaks fluently of its Alpine origin. Explore our curated collection and discover the clean beauty of mountain-grown wines.
Until next time, stay nosey.
