Wine from Bugey
Natural, organic and biodynamic wine from Bugey
Still a discreet region in the French wine landscape, the Bugey stretches between the Jura mountains and the foothills of Savoy, in the Ain department. This mid-mountain territory, shaped by a cool climate and a mosaic of limestone and marl soils, gives rise to a wide range of wines: fruity reds, taut whites, artisanal sparkling wines like the famous Cerdon. Long kept out of the spotlight, the region is now experiencing a revival thanks to winemakers committed to natural viticulture and respect for living things. On our shop, you will find lively and unique cuvées from the Domaine de Pacotille (François Galeyrand) and Sonshine Vins, perfect to discover the natural soul of Bugey.
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All about Bugey wines
The Bugey vineyard: between Jura and Savoy
The Bugey is a small wine region nestled between the Jura and Savoy, in the Ain department. Little known to the general public, it benefits from incredible geological and climatic diversity. The vineyard covers about 500 hectares, at altitude, on steep slopes and soils mixing limestone, clay, and glacial scree. Between mountains, rivers, and Alpine influence, Bugey offers a unique terroir, favorable to the emergence of vibrant wines, like the increasingly present natural cuvées from this area.
What wine styles can be found in Bugey?
Bugey is one of the rare French appellations offering such a variety of styles: reds, whites, rosés, sparkling, still, and even sweet wines. Among the local gems is the famous Cerdon (a semi-sweet sparkling rosé made from Gamay and Poulsard), mineral Chardonnays, juicy Pinot Noirs, as well as native varieties like Mondeuse or Altesse (also called Roussette). All in an artisanal spirit and often organic, with a growing natural wine dynamic.
Red wine from Bugey
The red wines of Bugey mainly come from Gamay, Pinot Noir, and Mondeuse. In natural versions, these grapes produce gourmand reds, lightly extracted, with fresh, crunchy red fruit aromas. Bugey's high-altitude terroir allows for digestible, supple wines, perfect for the table. Some winemakers highlight the fruit with short macerations, others prefer longer aging for more structure. The result: lively, expressive reds, without artifice.
White wine from Bugey
In white, Chardonnay is very present, often made simply to express the minerality and natural tension of the soils. The Altesse, a typical local variety, also produces floral, slightly honeyed wines with a lingering finish. The style of natural white wines from Bugey ranges between Alpine vivacity and subtle roundness. These cuvées are ideal for lovers of dry yet approachable whites and pair well with salty or vegetal dishes.
What to eat with a Bugey wine?
With a natural red Bugey wine, think simple and tasty dishes like free-range poultry, a reinvented tartiflette, grilled vegetables, or homemade pizza. The light reds pair well with vegetarian dishes or local cheeses. For whites, opt for freshwater fish, goat cheese salads, or even light Asian cuisine.
Who are the best natural winemakers of Bugey?
Bugey attracts a new generation of winemakers who bring freedom and authenticity to this still discreet region. Among the most remarkable are François Galeyrand from Domaine de Pacotille, based in Journans. He vinifies natural wines without additives from Gamay, Chardonnay, or Altesse, with remarkable precision and real terroir expression. Alongside him, Sonshine Vins embodies an even more artisanal and spontaneous approach: sulfite-free cuvées, free, frank, lively, expressing the full energy of Bugey. These two estates are among the most promising for natural wine in the region, a must-discover.
