CHARLOTTE SONJON A TIRE D'AILES 2024
Charlotte Sonjon is one of the young winemakers helping to revitalize the image of Savoie wines. An agricultural engineer by training, she began her winemaking career in 2013 and worked on various projects in the region before settling in Brison-Saint-Innocent, on the eastern shore of Lake Bourget.
Since 2019, she has been cultivating her vineyards on the steep slopes overlooking the lake, an alpine landscape where the altitude, the inclines, and the moderating influence of water create particularly interesting conditions for vines. Her small estate maintains an artisanal scale and limited production, focusing on traditional Savoie varieties such as Jacquère, Altesse, and Mondeuse.
Philosophy
Charlotte Sonjon's philosophy is inspired by biodynamic agriculture and minimal intervention, both in the vineyard and the winery. They work organically and practice biodynamics, with hand-harvesting and minimal intervention during winemaking.
In the winery, they favor spontaneous fermentations and avoid the use of oenological products during vinification. The only addition of sulfur dioxide is at bottling, in a minimal amount of approximately 1 g of SO₂. The aim is to preserve the energy, freshness, and direct expression of the varieties and vineyards of Savoie.
Winemaking, Vintage, Vineyard, and Variety
A Tire d'Ailes 2024 is a Vin de Savoie made with 100% Mondeuse, one of the great traditional red varieties of the region.
The grapes come from a small plot located on a southeast-facing slope in Brison-Saint-Innocent, the same area where Charlotte cultivates her Altesse vines. The vineyard sits on a combination of clay, gravel, limestone, and marl, in a landscape marked by the proximity of Lake Bourget and the Alpine influence.
The harvest is done by hand, and the Mondeuse bunches are placed whole in fiberglass tanks, where they ferment spontaneously for approximately two weeks. After maceration, the grapes are pressed using an old vertical press, and the wine is aged in a combination of demi-muids, amphorae, and stainless steel, where it remains on its lees throughout the winter and spring. Finally, it is bottled without fining or filtration.
The 2024 vintage in Savoie was marked by a cool and wet period during much of the spring and early summer, followed by a sunnier period that allowed for a clean and favorable final ripening. The result is a Mondeuse at 11.5% ABV, fresh and particularly lively.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Bright, medium-bodied, purplish-red with violet reflections.
Nose: Fresh and expressive, with aromas of cherry, red berries, and blueberries, accompanied by floral notes, alpine herbs, and a pronounced spicy character. Pepper appears elegantly, adding depth without masking the purity of the fruit.
Palate: Light, juicy, and vibrant, with a lively acidity that runs throughout the palate. Red fruit is crisp and fresh, accompanied by present but fine and well-integrated tannins. La Mondeuse contributes its characteristic combination of fruit, spice, and tension, while aging in different vessels contributes to a delicate texture without sacrificing freshness. The finish is long, clean, and slightly spicy.
Pairing
A Tire d'Ailes 2024 is an exceptionally versatile red wine that pairs magnificently with charcuterie, poultry, roast chicken, white meats, and grilled dishes, where its acidity and spicy character perfectly balance the richness of the dish. It also pairs beautifully with vegetable dishes, especially mushrooms, eggplant, roasted vegetables, and light legume dishes. Its fresh profile and moderate alcohol content allow it to be served slightly chilled, making it an excellent wine to accompany a selection of Savoie cheeses such as Tomme de Savoie or Reblochon.
A Tire d'Ailes 2024 showcases one of the most delicate and elegant expressions of Mondeuse. Red fruit, spices, freshness, and a distinct alpine character combine in a light yet distinctive red wine, capable of accurately conveying the landscape of Brison-Saint-Innocent and Charlotte Sonjon's winemaking style. A mountain wine designed for easy drinking, yet with enough depth to leave a lasting impression.
