Jacquère
Also known as: Jacquerre, Cugnette
Jacquère
Quick Facts
- Berry Color: Green-yellow
- Skin Thickness: Thin
- Ripening: Early to mid-season
- Vigor: Moderate to high
- Yield: High
- Character: Light, fresh, alpine
- Status: Savoie’s most planted white variety
Overview
Jacquère is Savoie’s dominant white grape variety, producing light, fresh, alpine wines that perfectly complement the region’s mountain cuisine. Unlike the more complex Altesse, Jacquère is a workhorse variety designed for immediate enjoyment—crisp, refreshing wines with subtle citrus and floral notes that showcase Savoie’s unique terroir. The variety accounts for over half of Savoie’s white wine production and has become synonymous with the region’s table wine tradition. For enologists, Jacquère represents study in producing fresh, light white wines meant for early consumption.
Etymology and History
Name Origin
Jacquère: Etymology uncertain
Possible: Personal name derivation
Historical Development
- Native to Savoie
- Traditional regional variety
- Expansion through 20th century
- Modern: Dominant Savoyard white
- Focus: Fresh, everyday wines
Viticulture
Vine Characteristics
Growth Habit: Moderate to high vigor
Leaf Shape: Medium
Cluster: Large; compact
Berry: Medium; thin-skinned
Growing Requirements
Climate: Cool; alpine
Soil Preference: Limestone; morainic
Altitude: Various; valley and hillside
Training: Various methods
Phenological Stages
| Stage | Timing |
|---|---|
| Bud break | Mid-April |
| Flowering | Early June |
| Véraison | Early August |
| Harvest | September |
Productivity
Yield: High; reliable
Character: Workhorse variety
Quality: Depends on yield control
Wine Profile
Appearance
- Color: Very pale straw; green tints
- Intensity: Light
- Evolution: Drink young
Aromatic Profile
Primary Aromas:
- Citrus (lemon, lime)
- Green apple
- White flowers
- Almond (subtle)
- Mineral
Character: Delicate; fresh; subtle
Palate Characteristics
Structure:
- Light body
- Crisp acidity
- Refreshing
- Light effervescence (sometimes)
Texture: Lean; bright; clean
Finish: Short to medium; fresh
Regional Expression
Vin de Savoie AOC
Status: Primary designation
Role: Dominant white grape
Crus: Apremont, Abymes most famous
Apremont
Character: Benchmark; mineral
Reputation: Most recognized cru
Abymes
Character: Fresh; citrus
Origin: Named from 1248 mountain collapse
Other Crus
Chignin: Fresh; typical
Various: Regional variation
Winemaking Considerations
Fermentation
Temperature: Very cool (12-15°C)
Duration: Quick
Vessel: Stainless steel
Goal: Maximum freshness
Style
Philosophy: Immediate; fresh; crisp
MLF: Often blocked
Lees: Sometimes brief contact
No Oak
Approach: Steel only
Reason: Preserve delicacy
Result: Pure, fresh expression
Slight Effervescence
Character: Traditional slight sparkle
Method: Natural; CO₂ retention
Effect: Adds freshness
Food Pairing
Traditional Matches
Savoyard Cuisine:
- Fondue (classic)
- Raclette
- Fresh water fish
- Light cheeses
Alpine Synergy: Perfect local match
Temperature
Serving: Very cold (6-8°C)
Key Producers
Quality Estates
Various Savoie producers: Regional focus
Cooperative wineries: Significant production
Market Position
Production Statistics
Savoie Plantings: ~1,000+ hectares
Dominant: Over 50% of white production
Trend: Stable
Pricing
| Level | Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Entry | €6-10 |
| Cru | €10-16 |
Market Position
Role: Everyday Savoie white
Strength: Freshness; local identity
Challenge: Limited complexity
Comparison with Savoie Whites
| Variety | Body | Aging | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacquère | Light | Short | Fresh, simple |
| Altesse | Medium-full | Long | Complex, honeyed |
| Chasselas | Light | Short | Neutral |
Alpine Identity
Regional Connection
Terroir: Expresses alpine freshness
Cuisine: Perfect match for local food
Tourism: Part of Savoie experience
Conclusion
Jacquère represents Savoie’s everyday wine tradition—a light, fresh variety producing alpine whites perfect for immediate enjoyment with the region’s famous cheese-based cuisine. For enologists, Jacquère demonstrates that simplicity can be a virtue when variety and context align. While lacking the complexity of Altesse, Jacquère’s crisp freshness and local identity make it an essential part of Savoie’s wine culture. The variety’s dominance reflects its perfect adaptation to both regional climate and culinary tradition.
References
- Robinson, J., Harding, J., & Vouillamoz, J. (2012). “Wine Grapes.” Ecco/HarperCollins. Publisher Link
- VIVC Database. Variety Information.
Last updated: January 13, 2026