Sheltered by Mont du Chat the iconic mountain overlooking Lac du Bourget on vertiginous slopes formed from Jurassic limestone scree, Thomas Senger & Olivier Carrel reveal the full expression of Altesse, Savoie’s emblematic white grape variety.
Drawing on the centuries-old traditions of mountain winegrowers, a quest for authenticity and a deep attachment to the Alpine art of living, they have breathed new life into this unique place. Here, they produce fine wines while sharing the magic of an exceptional environment through authentic and exclusive chalets and guest rooms.
At the pinnacle of their meticulously crafted range, their iconic cuvée, “L’Éternel de Marestel – Essentia 194,” is a blend of five Altesse vintages. It was awarded a Platinum Medal at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards a first for the wines of Savoie.
This cuvée reveals a complex, profound bouquet combining refined fruit with balsamic, spicy and smoky notes: hawthorn, rhubarb, candied orange, turmeric and Alpine herbal tea, enhanced by subtle waxy and honeyed nuances. The mature, candied character of the aromatics, the smooth depth of the palate and the precise saline backbone come together in perfect balance.
Below, Thomas describes the harmony between the base wine and Ermitage 500-litre demi-muids:
“At Domaine Carrel & Senger, our philosophy is simple: oak should never mask the wine, but rather reveal its full depth. This approach finds its fullest expression in our L’Éternel de Marestel cuvée, an exceptional blend of several vintages and complementary ageing methods. ERMITAGE 500-litre demi-muids provide precisely the balance we are looking for.
Their grain and the quality of the oak sourced from the Bertranges forest complement Altesse with remarkable precision, bringing texture, complexity and a delicate patina without ever overshadowing the freshness, mineral tension and distinctive identity of the Marestel terroir. This dialogue between oak and wine elevates the expression of the cru while preserving its elegance and personality…”
Whether as a stop along the way during a holiday journey or as the destination for a dedicated weekend, discovering Domaine Carrel & Senger combines our contemporary desire to reconnect with nature with a journey into the heart of an iconic story.
DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARDS 2026
Savoie confirms its status as a wine region to watch by winning its very first Platinum Medal for Domaine Carrel & Senger’s L’Éternel de Marestel Essentia 194, Roussette de Savoie Cru Marestel NV.
