Map of Bugey

The wines of Bugey

I must admit, now, we are talking real wines. Away from the main stream and not so more, welcome to the unknown (well, for most of us, anyway) and for many in France, too.

The Bugey wine producing area is situated in the south east of the department of Ain. It only covers 500 hectares divided in 3 regions of production: Cerdon, Montagnieu and Belley. The production of wines in the Bugey goes back well into the Roman times. The wines gained the AOVDQS Bugey and Roussette du Bugey in 1958. The status of AOC was granted in 2009.

The main grape varieties used are: Chardonnay and Altesse (you might also find La Molette, La Jaquere and L’Aligote to be used in some wines). Pinot Noir, Poulsard, Mondeuse and Gamay will be used for the red wines.

We work with Domaine Trichon and Domaine de Soleyane

CHARDONNAY 2009 AOC BUGEY DOMAINE TRICHON £10.79 

The Chardonnay grape produces some excellent wines in Bugey. This un-oaked Chardonnay is light and supple with notes of flowers and agrumes. It is excellent now and will go well as an aperitif, river fish, seafood and, of course, fondue or raclette

Well, after numerous tastings of this 2009, I am not stocking any Chablis till December...And I would have to be convinced to do so. Well, as always, the market might but not to sure.

PINOT NOIR 2009 AOC BUGEY DOMAINE TRICHON £10.49

Well, I like this un-oaked, slightly rustic Pinot Noir. I can enjoy it on its own or with a good plate of bolognaise or some nice cheeses I import for the shop from time to time. Excellent value too.

Le Lievre D'Automne 2009

Le Lievre d'Automne 2009 Domaine de Soleyane £12.19

For the little story, Domaine de Soleyane is a tiny (only 4ha) vineyard situated in Parves, small village not far from Chambery. Made from 100% Chardonnay. Great complexity for this vintage, it just goes on and on. Will go beautifully with a nice bird with a cream and mushroom sauce, pork and grilled river fish.

I also have a few bottles of the 2006 vintage.

CRATILLAZ 2009 DOMAINE DE SOLEYANE £8.99

An interesting blend of Aligote and Chardonnay. Flavours of exotic fruits. Vey interesting wine with seafood, hard cheeses or simply as an aperitif

ARBANE 2007 DOMAINE DU CRATILLAZ £11.99

Made from 100% Roussette. Aged in acacia oak barrels. Rich wine with notes of honey, chesnuts. try it with fish and cream sauce, cheese dishes like raclette.

LE 32 D'OCTOBRE 2007 DOMAINE DE SOLEYANE £13.69

Made from 100% Mondeuse and oak aged. With its red fruits and spices flavours, this wine will go perfectly with games, hence its name Octobre.