Altitude wines seduce with their freshness, finesse and ability to reflect a unique terroir. Cultivated in high-altitude regions, these wines are often made from rare grape varieties adapted to extreme climates.
What is an altitude wine?
A high-altitude wine comes from vineyards located more than 500 meters above sea level.
1. Characteristics of high-altitude wines
- Marked freshness: Lower temperatures favor natural acidity and lively aromas.
- Aromatic complexity: Longer ripening cycles allow complex flavors to develop.
- Elegant structure: These wines often have fine tannins and great precision on the palate.
2. The impact of altitude on vines
- Thermal amplitude: Temperature differences between day and night intensify aromas.
- Intense light: At high altitudes, sunlight favors the concentration of polyphenols in grapes.
- Poor, draining soils: These soils limit yields, but increase grape quality.
Rare grape varieties adapted to altitude
High-altitude vineyards often favor the cultivation of rare grape varieties capable of withstanding extreme climatic conditions.
1. Red grape varieties
- Cornalin: Native to the Swiss Alps, it produces rich, spicy wines.
- Piedirosso: Grown in Campania, it offers fruity, floral aromas.
- Tannat: Found in the Pyrenees, this variety produces robust, tannic wines.
2. White grape varieties
- Petit Arvine: Typical of Switzerland, it is distinguished by its citrus aromas and liveliness.
- Riesling: Ideal for cool climates, it produces balanced, mineral wines.
- Godello: Grown in the Spanish mountains, it produces complex, elegant white wines.
3. Why these grape varieties?
These grape varieties thrive in environments where cool temperatures and rocky soils favor slow, balanced ripening.
Great high-altitude wine regions to explore
1. The Alps (France, Switzerland, Italy)
Alpine vineyards produce elegant, high-altitude wines, often from rare grape varieties.
- France: Savoie produces mineral white wines based on Jacquère or Altesse.
- Switzerland: Valais is famous for its Cornalin and Petite Arvine wines.
- Italy: Trentino-Alto Adige grows Lagrein and Gewurztraminer, grape varieties adapted to high altitudes.
2. The Andes (Argentina, Chile)
Argentina's high-altitude wines are produced in vineyards situated between 800 and 3,000 meters.
- Argentina: Malbec from Mendoza, grown at an altitude of 1,500 metres, is particularly renowned for its aromatic depth.
- Chile: The Elqui and Limarí vineyards produce fresh, mineral wines.
3. The Pyrenees (France, Spain)
The vineyards of the Pyrenees combine altitude and diversity of grape varieties.
- France: Madiran, with its powerful Tannat, is emblematic of this region.
- Spain: Galicia's Ribera Sacra produces elegant Mencía-based wines.
4. The Atlas Mountains (Morocco)
Vineyards on mountainsides up to 1,200 meters offer generous, spicy wines.
- Caractéristiques: Great freshness and spicy aromas.
5. Other emerging regions
- Australia: The vineyards of the Australian Alps produce fresh, elegant wines.
- United States: California's Sierra Foothills is renowned for its structured red wines.
The specifics of high-altitude wine tasting
1. Pronounced freshness
Altitude wines are distinguished by their natural acidity, which makes them particularly lively and refreshing.
2. Marked minerality
The poor, rocky soils contribute to a unique minerality, often found in whites and some reds.
3. Great finesse
Their tannins are often fine and elegant, offering a silky texture on the palate.
4. Food and wine pairing
- Red wines: Perfect with grilled red meats or mountain dishes such as fondue.
- White wines: Ideal with fish, seafood or vegetarian dishes.
Mistakes to avoid with high-altitude wines
1. Ignore their ageing potential
Thanks to their acidity and tannins, some high-altitude wines age very well.
2. Serve them at the wrong temperature
Serve reds slightly chilled (16°C) and whites at 10-12°C to appreciate their aromas.
3. Disregard grape varieties
Each grape variety has its own specific characteristics. Find out more about their characteristics for an informed purchase.
Current trends in high-altitude wines
1. Growing interest in extreme terroirs
Consumers are looking for authentic, unique wines produced under demanding conditions.
2. Exploring new grape varieties
Winegrowers experiment with rare grape varieties to produce original, expressive wines.
3. Eco-responsible initiatives
Many high-altitude vineyards adopt organic or biodynamic practices to preserve their ecosystems.
Conclusion: an invitation to explore high-altitude wines
Altitude wines, with their freshness, complexity and faithful reflection of their terroir, offer a unique experience. By discovering these wine-growing regions and their rare grape varieties, you'll enrich your wine knowledge and your cellar. These wines deserve a place of choice for their exceptional qualities and authentic character.
If you enjoyed this article, please read the following article "Common mistakes to avoid when storing wine", which may also be of interest to you!
