Marcel Cabelier Cremant de Savoie Relief Savoyard Brut

Marcel Cabelier Crémant de Savoie Relief Savoyard Brut is a finely crafted sparkling wine that captures the freshness and alpine charm of France’s Savoie region. Made from a blend of Chardonnay and Savagnin, it delivers crisp precision, fine bubbles, and a distinctly mountain-driven character. As one of the newer AOC Crémant regions, Savoie brings a fresh, high-altitude twist to traditional méthode classique sparkling wine, and this cuvée is a standout example.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this Crémant shows a pale straw color with glints of green and a persistent, fine mousse that speaks to careful bottle fermentation. The nose is bright and elegant, offering notes of green apple, pear, lemon zest, and white flowers, layered with subtle brioche, chalk, and a whisper of alpine herbs. On the palate, it is brisk and lively, with mouthwatering acidity and a clean, mineral backbone. Flavors of citrus, crunchy orchard fruits, and a touch of stone fruit are complemented by a gentle creaminess from time on lees, while the Savagnin adds a savory, slightly nutty and herbal dimension. The finish is dry (Brut), refreshing, and precise, making it as suitable for aperitif sipping as it is for pairing at the table. As a non-vintage sparkling, it is meant to be enjoyed within a few years of purchase for peak freshness, though it can develop a bit more brioche and biscuit complexity over 2–3 years of cellaring.

Production
Sourced from vineyards in the Savoie region of eastern France, Marcel Cabelier’s Crémant de Savoie benefits from a cool alpine climate, high-altitude exposures, and limestone- and clay-based soils that naturally preserve acidity and highlight minerality. Grapes are typically harvested by hand to protect the delicate berries and ensure optimal selection at the press. The base wines are vinified at cool temperatures in stainless steel to preserve purity of fruit and freshness, followed by secondary fermentation in the bottle following the traditional méthode classique. An extended period of aging on the lees refines the texture, enhances the mousse, and brings subtle notes of pastry and toast, before disgorgement and a carefully judged Brut dosage.

Food & Serving
This Crémant de Savoie is a versatile sparkling companion, ideal with alpine-inspired dishes and light, refined fare. Pair it with fresh goat cheese, Comté, or Tomme de Savoie, cured meats, smoked trout, or oysters and other shellfish. It also works beautifully with sushi, tempura, light poultry dishes, or vegetable tartlets and savory pastries. Serve well-chilled at around 6–8°C (43–46°F) in a tulip-shaped sparkling wine glass to capture the aromas and finesse of the bubbles. A brief 5–10 minutes in the glass is all it needs to open up; decanting is not necessary for this style.

Producer
Marcel Cabelier is a historic name rooted in the eastern French wine regions, known for championing the character and authenticity of Savoie and Jura-style varieties. Over the years, the house has built a reputation for producing wines that balance traditional know-how with a clean, modern aesthetic, particularly in sparkling and mountain-influenced wines. By embracing grapes like Chardonnay and Savagnin and focusing on meticulous cellar work, Marcel Cabelier has contributed to raising the profile of lesser-known alpine appellations. Their Crémant de Savoie bottlings, including the Relief Savoyard Brut, highlight the region’s ability to deliver wines of notable freshness, finesse, and regional identity.