Translation missing: en.BUGEY: BUGEY

The little-known region of Bugey produces some adorable wines - especially the slightly sweet light-red sparkling wines. Bugey is similar to its neighbour, Savoie, in terms of terroir and indigenous grape varieties. A region to keep an eye on and source the little curios that come from here.

LOCATION: 
Bugey is a winegrowing region in the Ain administrative department of eastern France, close to the border with western Switzerland and the city of Geneva. The area covers the very southern limits of the Jura mountain range, which is also home to the Jura wine region to the north and The Rhône river loops around the southern end of Bugey. Lyon is roughly 50 kilometers to the west, and the alpine vineyards of Savoie are directly to the east.

TERROIR:
Bugey is geologically very similar to Savoie where vineyards are grouped in clusters and divided from each other by various mountains and ridges. The best sites are on the south-facing slopes, where the combination of cool subalpine air, a sunny aspect and free draining limestone-based soils provide the greatest chance for the grapes to achieve optimal ripeness.

VARIETIES:
Chardonnay is the primary grape variety of Bugey and must always make up at least 70% of Bugey still white wines. Aligoté, Altesse, Pinot Gris and Jacquère are permitted and often used in the blend, and the sparkling wines usually contain larger portions of Jacquère and Mondeuse Blanche (locally known as Molette). 

The reds of Bugey are made from Gamay, Pinot Noir and Savoie's flagship Mondeuse.

PRODUCERS:
Phillippe Balivet, Patrick Bottex, Famille Peillot, Renardat Fache