# Pierra Menta White (2023)

- **Producer:** Jean-Yves Péron
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Gringet
- **Region:** Savoie, France
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 11.0%
- **Average price:** €63
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** quince, apple, orange, blossom, grass, bread, hay

## About this wine

Jean-Yves Péron established his estate in Albertville, Savoie in 2004, restoring high-altitude, steep mountain vineyards. Pierra Menta is named after the iconic rock peak in the Beaufortain Massif overlooking the region. This micro-cuvée is crafted from Gringet, a rare alpine grape variety, using cuttings gifted by the late Dominique Belluard, who rescued the variety from extinction. Sourced from a tiny 530-meter altitude vineyard planted on mica-schist soils, this bottling represents a poignant tribute to alpine viticultural heritage.

## Interesting facts

- Gringet vine cuttings were gifted by the late Dominique Belluard to help preserve this ultra-rare alpine grape.
- Named after Pierra Menta, an iconic jagged peak in the Beaufortain Massif of the French Alps.
- Sourced from steep alpine vineyards at 530 meters elevation planted on mica-schist soils.
- Made using 15 days of whole-cluster carbonic skin maceration with zero added sulfites.

## Food pairing

This skin-contact alpine Gringet pairs exceptionally well with traditional Savoie cuisine, where its vibrant acidity cuts through rich, melted mountain cheeses like Reblochon and Beaufort. Its gentle phenolic grip from skin maceration and mineral lift make it equally versatile alongside rich freshwater fish, brown butter seafood, and earthy Middle Eastern dips.

## Wine making process

Farmed organically and biodynamically on steep slopes, the grapes are harvested entirely by hand. In the cellar, the whole clusters undergo 15 days of spontaneous carbonic maceration with indigenous yeasts and light punchdowns. The wine is aged for one year on fine lees in 300-liter oak barriques. It is bottled unfined, unfiltered, and with zero added sulfites, preserving the pure expression of the fruit and mountain terroir.