Hautes-Alpes

The Hautes-Alpes, nestled in southeastern France near the Italian border, isn't a major player in the French wine world, but it offers a fascinating glimpse into viticulture at high altitudes. Its picturesque region boasts dramatic mountain scenery and a handful of passionate producers dedicated to crafting unique wines and is one of France's smallest wine regions.

Due to the cool, high-altitude climate, the focus is on grapes that thrive in these conditions. Local hero, the red grape Mollard, takes center stage, known for its rustic charm. Expect to find other intriguing red varieties like Gamay and Pinot Noir, alongside some white wines produced from Chardonnay and Chasselas. The resulting wines tend to be lighter-bodied and more aromatic compared to wines from warmer regions.

Due to the cool, high-altitude climate, the focus is on grapes that thrive in these conditions. Local hero, the red grape Mollard, takes center stage, known for its rustic charm. Expect to find other intriguing red varieties like Gamay and Pinot Noir, alongside some white wines produced from Chardonnay and Chasselas. The resulting wines tend to be lighter-bodied and more aromatic compared to wines from warmer regions.

Hautes-Alpes neighbors the renowned Italian wine region of Piedmont.