Bugey VDQS

Bugey wine is produced in the Bugey region in the Ain département of France, under the two VDQS designations Bugey and Roussette du Bugey. On May 28, 2009, INAO gave its final approval for the elevation of Bugey and Roussette du Bugey to Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) status.

A high proportion of Bugey wine is white, but white, rosé, red and sparkling wines are all produced in Bugey. Bugey wine made from the aromatic white variety Altesse, locally called Roussette, are among the more noted from the area.

Vineyards of the two Bugey appellations cover around 500 hectares (1,200 acres) spread over 67 communes in the department of Ain.

Under the present VDQS regulations, Bugey may carry the following designations:

White Bugey, with the exception of white Bugey-Manicle, must contain at least 50% Chardonnay, and may furthermore contain Aligoté, Altesse, Jacquère, Pinot gris and Mondeuse blanche as accessory grapes. Bugey-Manicle must be 100% Chardonnay.

Roussette de Bugey, which only exists as a white wine, must contain at least 50% Altesse, which is locally known under the name Roussette. Chardonnay is allowed as an accessory grape until the 2008 vintage, but from the 2009 vintage all Roussette de Bugey must be 100% Altesse. Roussette de Bugey with a mention of geographical origin is already required to be made from only Altesse grapes.

For rosé Bugey, a minimum of 50% of Gamay and Pinot noir, alone or together must be used. Mondeuse noire, Pinot gris and Poulsard are allowed as accessory grapes.

Red Bugey can contain Gamay, Pinot noir or Mondeuse noire, with the exception of red Bugey-Manicle that can only contain Pinot noir, and red Bugey-Montagnieu that can only contain Mondeuse noire.

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