Domaine Eugene Carrel is located in the village of Jongieux, in the northern part of the Savoie region, at the beginnings of the French Alps. It is situated about 40 miles southwest of Geneva, in between the upper Rhone River (near its start) and Lake Bourget, France's largest lake. The Jongieux vineyards are very steep, southwest-facing slopes created by ancient glaciers. The altitude is between 400 and 500 meters, yet the microclimate is very warm. The ideal clay-limestone slopes of the Jongieux appellation allow the grapes to ripen more fully than in any other Savoy regions, due to 2-3 hours more sun daily. As a result, the wines are not only fuller, but also more balanced and fresher, because there is far less need for chaptalization. Indeed, the regions’ top Cru, Marestel, is located in Jongieux. Domaine Carrel’s clients include virtually every local restaurant, Paris bistros, as well as top Savoie gastronomic destinations such as Veyrat. Little wonder, then, that their wines were unknown in the USA -- until recently. The estate cultivates the traditional varieties of the region, namely Jacquere (bottled as Vin de Savoie Jongieux Banc), Altesse, Gamay, Pint Noir and the unique, native red Mondeuse. While the Savoyard varietals maybe unfamiliar, and the labeling somewhat confusing, Domaine Carrel wines deliver original and expressive flavors that are in perfect harmony with the wide variety and style of foods we enjoy today. They are compelling and accessible wines from a superb winemaker that await discovery.