The Chautagne is a small area northeast of Lake Le Bourget/Aix les Bains, protected by a low ridge of chalky mountains. Chautagne has produced wines since the eleventh century and, like Frangy, sold them mostly to Geneva. During the eighteenth century the vintages issued from the Chautagne became the official wines of the Sardinian court.
Several grapes are used: Gamay for 45 percent of the vintage, 12 Ά percent each of Pinot and Mondeuse, the remainder being in white grapes such as Jacquère, Roussette, and even a bit of Aligoté. Although some of the white wines are very pleasant, I think that the reds in this area have more character, especially the Gamay. It’s ruby red in color, and the powerfully floral taste of the wine when young is a true pleasure that should not be missed. At the risk of being considered a philistine, I like to drink it after strawberries in the summer; I enjoy the way the two aromas seem to lock into each other. This Gamay is long-lived and retains a lot of its fruit for over two-and-one-half years.