Pan Blanc IGP Allobroges, Les Aricoques 2024

Domaine Les Aricoques is one of the exciting young names to emerge from Savoie in recent years, founded in 2021 by childhood friends Guillaume Bellon and Romain Dupont. After gaining experience across different sides of the wine world, the pair took over a tiny 4.8ha estate in Frangy, Haute-Savoie, determined to explore the potential of this remarkable Alpine terroir. Their vineyards sit around 450m altitude on south-facing glacial moraine slopes, planted predominantly with the local varieties Altesse, Jacquère, Mondeuse and Gamay. Farming is organic with biodynamic practices, while cellar work remains deliberately gentle: ambient yeast fermentations, restrained extraction and ageing across stainless steel, concrete, foudres and older barrels, with sulphur used sparingly. The wines have a distinctly Alpine character — pure, energetic and mineral, balancing ripe fruit with freshness and tension. Despite only releasing their first vintage in 2021, Les Aricoques has quickly become one of the names to watch in the new generation of Savoie producers. A vibrant Alpine white blending 65% Altesse and 35% Jacquère, sourced from organically farmed, 50-year-old vines in Chautagne and Abymes. The vineyards sit on limestone-rich molasse and scree, closely reflecting the soils found around the domaine. Directly pressed and fermented in cement vats, the wine spends six months on its lees, preserving freshness while adding a little texture. Ripe pear, green apple and citrus are joined by white flowers and subtle Alpine herbs. The palate is bright and energetic, with crisp acidity, gentle texture and a distinctly stony, saline finish. Pure, refreshing and wonderfully drinkable, but with plenty of character underneath. Producer Guillaume Bellon of Les Aricoques Origin Frangy, Savoie, France Grapes 65% Altesse and 35% Jacquère Vintage 2024 Alcohol 12% Style Fresh, clean white Bottle size 75 cl Winemaking Hand harvested, Spontaneous fermentation of mostly destemmed grapes, fermented in cement vats and aged in the same vessel. Unfiltred, unfined and little SO2 added at bottling. Notes Natural, Biodynamic, Organic