Saint-Jean-de-la-Porte is a named cru of the Vin de Savoie appellation covering the administrative commune of the same name in eastern France. Savoie Saint-Jean-de-la-Porte is one of only two Savoie crus dedicated to the production of red wine, which comes from the Mondeuse grape variety. These wines are typically intensely flavored with juicy, peppery characteristics.
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The appellation's vineyards cover an area on the south-east facing slopes of the imposing Mont Charvet, with the Isere river flowing through the narrow valley below. The village of Saint-Jean-de-la-Porte is located in the Combe de Savoie, and is just north of the Savoie crus of Cruet and Arbin. The city of Chambery is about 10 miles (16km) to the west.
Most of Savoie is subject to a continental climate with some oceanic influence, mainly in the form of heavy rainfall due to the region's position on the western edge of the Alps. Vines climb the mountainside in Saint-Jean-de-la-Porte, reaching as high as 1600ft (500m) above sea level. Here, they can take advantage of the sunlight exposure afforded by the aspect of the steep slopes, which ensures the grapes reach optimal ripeness during the growing season.
The soils in Saint-Jean-de-la-Porte are made up of limestone scree and black marl, with some glacial moraine. These loosely textured soils, when combined with the steep slopes, offer excellent drainage and ensure that the vines do not receive excessive moisture during the growing season. This way, the growth of energy-sapping foliage is limited, and the vines can instead focus their energies into the production of high-quality grapes with a good concentration of sugars, acids and tannins.
The Vin de Savoie appellation laws dictate that Savoie Saint-Jean-de-la-Porte wines must be made entirely from the Mondeuse grape variety that is native to the area. This is one of only three Savoie crus whose wines must be varietal: Savoie Arbin wines are also made of Mondeuse, while Savoie Chignin-Bergeron wines are required to be made entirely of Rousanne.
