If you have gone looking for Willy Blanc wine in Asheville, you already know it is a special find. This crisp Alpine white from France's Savoie region is genuinely hard to come by in the United States. The good news is that you do not have to search far, because Metro Wines carries and can source it right here in Asheville.
Who Is Willy Blanc?
Willy Blanc is a beloved figure in the Savoie, the mountainous wine region tucked into the French Alps near the Swiss and Italian borders. He is a true bon vivant who owns one of the finest wine shops in the region, which he uses as a platform to champion Savoie's growers and native grapes.
He is also a grower himself. Willy tends roughly five hectares of vines in the Savoie cru of Apremont, set dramatically below the north face of Mont Granier. Working largely by hand, he focuses on Jacquère, the white grape that best expresses this alpine terroir.
About Domaine Blanc et Fils Apremont "Willy"
The wine known simply as "Willy" comes from a single parcel of old vines rooted in the region's classic clay-limestone soils. It is fermented in stainless steel and aged on its lees for a full year before bottling, which gives it texture without masking its mountain freshness.
Production is tiny, with under 500 cases made. That small output is part of what makes the bottle such a treat to track down.
What Does It Taste Like?
This is a light-bodied, bone-dry white with a bright, high-toned personality and modest alcohol. Expect layered notes of white peach, nectarine, melon, and citrus, from lemon zest to fresh lime.
Underneath the fruit runs a thread of gravelly alpine minerality, along with mountain herbs and delicate floral tones. If you love zippy, mineral whites like Sauvignon Blanc, Aligoté, or Oregon Pinot Gris, this wine will feel like a discovery.
What to Pair It With
The wine's freshness and cut make it a natural at the table. It shines alongside seafood, poultry, and lake fish, and it is a classic partner for Savoyard dishes like cheese fondue.
It also makes a wonderful aperitif on a warm afternoon. To understand why alpine sites like Apremont produce wines with this kind of mineral snap, our post on terroir and how soil influences flavor is a great companion read.
Why Willy Blanc Is So Hard to Find
Savoie wines have always been something of an insider's secret. For generations they were consumed mostly by locals and by skiers flocking to the Alps, and very little ever left the region.
Willy Blanc's tiny production only sharpens that scarcity. With so few cases made and most of it sold close to home in France, the wine remains a rare sight on American shelves, which is exactly why it can be tricky to find in Asheville.
Find Willy Blanc at Metro Wines
At Metro Wines, we like to say "we have that," and Willy Blanc is a perfect example. We carry and source these alpine whites, so if you are hunting for a specific bottle or vintage, reach out and we will let you know what is currently available or track it down for you.
Part of what makes this possible is a wonderful local-global connection. Willy Blanc's wines reach Asheville through Rise Over Run Wines, a local importer that brings small French growers to our market, and you can read about our tasting with them in our Rise Over Run wine tasting post. It is the epitome of local-global: a small independent grower in the Alps, brought to your neighborhood by people who know these wines intimately.
When you visit, there is always a sommelier on duty to talk through the wine and suggest similar bottles you might love. You can browse a portion of our selection anytime through our online store, and if you would rather have your wine come to you, our Wine Please delivery service makes it easy. Just text "wine please" to 828-575-9525, or learn more on our Wine Please page.
Pair It at Quench! Wine Bistro
A wine this food-friendly deserves a great meal, and our sister restaurant delivers exactly that. Quench! Wine Bistro in Reynolds Village pairs Chef Sam's farm-to-table menu with a thoughtful wine list, and a crisp alpine white like this is right at home there.
With free parking and a warm, unhurried atmosphere, Quench! Wine Bistro is an easy favorite for North Asheville and Weaverville neighbors. It also hosts wine tastings every Wednesday from 4 to 6pm, a lovely way to explore something new.
Frequently Asked Questions About Willy Blanc Wine
Where can I buy Willy Blanc wine in Asheville?
Metro Wines, at 169 Charlotte Street, carries and can source Willy Blanc for customers in Asheville. Because the wine is rare and production is small, we recommend contacting us to confirm the current vintage and availability.
What is Willy Blanc wine?
Willy Blanc refers to the wines of Domaine Blanc et Fils, made by vigneron Willy Blanc in the Apremont cru of France's Savoie region. His signature "Willy" bottling is a dry, mineral-driven white made from the alpine Jacquère grape.
What does Domaine Blanc et Fils Apremont "Willy" taste like?
It is a light-bodied, bone-dry white with notes of white peach, melon, and citrus, framed by mountain herbs and a distinct alpine minerality. It is bright, aromatic, and lower in alcohol, making it especially refreshing.
What food pairs with Willy Blanc Jacquère?
It pairs beautifully with seafood, poultry, and lake fish, and it is a traditional match for Savoyard cheese fondue. It also makes an excellent aperitif on its own.
Come Find Your Bottle
Willy Blanc is the kind of wine that rewards the curious, and you do not have to travel to the Alps to enjoy it. Stop by Metro Wines at 169 Charlotte Street, where a friendly sommelier can help you find this alpine gem or source it for you.
Have a question about availability, or want to arrange a delivery? Contact us anytime and we will be glad to help.