Genepi, treasure of the Alps: history and tasting
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Alcohol abuse is harmful to your health. Consume in moderation. Sale forbidden to minors.
Genepi Alpes tradition Savoie represents much more than a simple liqueur: it's a whole part of Alpine history, mountain culture, and expertise passed down from generation to generation. De Michellot 35% vol génépi liqueur perpetuates this tradition with a rigor and quality that honors the heritage of the French Alps. This article invites you to discover the fascinating history of this mountain plant, its tasting tradition in Savoie and the Alps, and how to fully appreciate De Michellot artisanal génépi liqueur.
History of génépi in the Alps: from peaks to refuges
Génépi refers to several species of Alpine mugwort that grow exclusively at high altitudes in the Alps. Their history with Alpine human communities dates back several centuries: shepherds, mountain guides, and monks used these plants for their supposed medicinal properties against cold ailments, stomach aches, and fatigue. The first documented mention of an alcoholic preparation with génépi in Savoie dates back to the 18th century. Tradition has it that the recipe was developed in Alpine monasteries before spreading to families and mountain inns. In Savoie, the Aosta Valley, and neighboring Piedmont, the family production of génépi liqueur is still practiced today, with the plant picked in the Alpine pastures in July-August. De Michellot continues this tradition by offering a 35% vol génépi liqueur made according to traditional artisanal methods.
Génépi species: botany of Alpine plants
The term génépi groups several species of the genus Artemisia present in the Alps:
- Artemisia genepi (black génépi or true génépi): the most sought-after, grows between 2000 and 3500m
- Artemisia umbelliformis (white génépi): more common, milder notes
- Artemisia glacialis (glacier génépi): at very high altitude, more intense notes
- Artemisia mutellina (Mutel's génépi): used in Savoie and the Aosta Valley
Each species contributes differently to the aromatic profile of the liqueur: camphorated, herbaceous, slightly minty, and floral notes depending on the proportions used. De Michellot 35% vol génépi liqueur benefits from a rigorous selection of Alpine plants for a complex aromatic profile faithful to the Alpine tradition of Savoie and the French Alps.
Tasting génépi: how to fully appreciate it
De Michellot 35% vol génépi liqueur is ideally enjoyed in one of these formats:
As a traditional digestif: 4 cl in a small tulip glass, slightly chilled (12-14°C, not iced). Take the time to observe the natural, slightly golden-green color. On the nose, the initial camphorated and herbaceous notes gradually open up to nuances of meadow mint and mountain honey. On the palate, the structure is solid at 35% vol, but the balance between alcohol, vegetable bitterness, and natural sweetness is remarkable. The finish is long, warm, persistent — it evokes the fresh air of the peaks.
On the rocks: A few ice cubes in an old-fashioned glass with 4 cl of génépi. The progressive dilution reveals new aromatic facets as the ice melts. A more contemporary way to discover the Alpine tradition.
Recipe: Warm Alpine Génépi, mountain grog
For 1 mug — 5 min:
- 4 cl of De Michellot génépi liqueur (35% vol)
- 15 cl of hot mountain herb tea (thyme, rosemary, lavender)
- 1 teaspoon of mountain honey (acacia or fir)
- 3 lemon slices, 2 cloves
Prepare the hot mountain herb tea. Add the honey and stir until completely dissolved. Let it cool to about 70°C (not boiling). Pour in the 35% vol génépi liqueur and stir gently. Add the lemon slices and cloves. This traditional Alpine grog is the perfect companion for winter occasions or returns from mountain hikes. The aromas of génépi are magnificently revealed in the warmth of the infusion, creating an absolutely authentic Savoie Alpine tradition pairing.
Recipe: Alpine Génépi Tonic, modernity of the peaks
For 1 glass — 3 min:
- 3 cl of De Michellot génépi liqueur (35% vol)
- 12 cl of artisanal tonic with Alpine herbs or classic premium tonic
- Ice cubes, 1 sprig of fresh thyme, lime zest
In a chilled highball glass, pour in the De Michellot génépi then the cold tonic in a stream against the side. Garnish with a lightly bruised sprig of fresh thyme and a lime zest. The Génépi Tonic is the contemporary way to enjoy the Alpine tradition in a light and accessible aperitif format. The tonic reveals the herbaceous and camphorated notes of génépi in a particularly flattering way.
Food pairings and occasions for Génépi des Alpes
De Michellot 35% vol génépi liqueur finds its natural place on many occasions inspired by the Alpine and Savoyard tradition. As a digestif after a Savoyard fondue, a raclette, or a tartiflette, it is absolutely essential: its herbaceous and digestive character perfectly cuts through the richness of melted cheeses. With Alpine cheeses (Beaufort, Abondance, Comté), its vegetable bitterness dialogues with the umami of cooked pressed cheeses. In the mountains or in a chalet, a shot of génépi shared with friends is a warm ritual deeply rooted in the Savoie tradition. In pastry, a few centiliters in a cream for floating islands or in a walnut cake bring a distinctive Alpine herbaceous note.
Why De Michellot génépi embodies tradition without compromise
De Michellot sources its Alpine plants according to strict specifications that guarantee the quality and authenticity of the raw material. The 35% vol génépi liqueur is made without synthetic colors or flavors. The natural, slightly golden color is that of artisanal maceration — not a food coloring. The complex aromatic profile (camphor, herbs, mountain honey) testifies to the quality of the plants used. It's a true treasure of the Alps, bottled, that perpetuates the Savoie Alpine tradition with the quality this tradition deserves.
Discover other De Michellot mountain and herbaceous terroir liqueurs
If génépi has taken you to the peaks, continue exploring French terroirs with De Michellot. The gentian liqueur 24% vol from Auvergne is another great French herbaceous bitter. The verbena liqueur 30% vol from Velay represents a unique volcanic terroir. The elderflower liqueur 20% vol offers the floral delicacy of spring picking. Together, these six De Michellot liqueurs map the botanical and aromatic diversity of French plants.
View the entire De Michellot collection →
Frequently asked questions about Alpine génépi
Is De Michellot génépi made in Savoie?
De Michellot is a French artisan specializing in terroir plant liqueurs. The 35% vol génépi liqueur is made according to traditional Alpine artisanal methods, with Alpine plants selected for their quality. The Savoie Alpine tradition is fully respected in the qualitative approach and the total absence of industrial additives. For precise information on the manufacturing location, consult the product sheet on the online store.
How does De Michellot génépi differ from industrial génépi liqueurs?
Industrial génépi liqueurs often use synthetic flavors, artificial colors, and accelerated extraction processes that result in a standardized and less complex product. De Michellot 35% vol génépi liqueur is based on an artisanal maceration of selected Alpine plants without additives. The difference is noticeable from the first tasting: more vegetal complexity, a longer and more authentic finish.
In what season is génépi picked in the Alps?
Génépi flowers in July and August in the Alps, between 2000 and 3500 meters altitude, when the snow has melted and the Alpine meadows are in full botanical effervescence. This short picking season requires rigorous organization. In some protected areas (natural parks, reserves), picking is regulated or prohibited to protect natural populations. The Savoie Alpine tradition of family génépi picking is still alive, but increasingly framed by environmental regulations.
Can De Michellot génépi be used in Savoyard cuisine?
Yes, De Michellot 35% vol génépi liqueur can be integrated into some revisited Savoyard cuisine recipes. A few centiliters in a cream sauce for mountain poultry, in an aromatic gratin dauphinois, or as a finishing touch on red wine pears. The Alpine herbaceous note of génépi pairs particularly well with game meats and melted cheeses. An original way to enrich mountain cuisine with the aromatic complexity of this precious Alpine tradition.
Alcohol abuse is harmful to your health. Consume in moderation. Sale forbidden to minors.
