Maison Bonnard

Crept - Bugey | Marin Fumey

ORGANIC - BIODYNAMIC - MINIMAL INTERVENTION

Savoie is getting noticed for the dynamism of its young and talented grower-winemakers who are delivering consistency and complexity, year in year out. We’re pleased to represent such talent incarnated in Maison Bonnard in Australia.

At the heart of Bugey, nestled between the Savoie and the Rhône Valley, is the small village of Crept, overlooking the Alps. It’s perched on the southern-most creases of the Jura, way off the main attractions. There, the scenery reveals a contrasted land- scape of breathtaking beauty. Such is the backdrop of Maison Bonnard.

Maison Bonnard was founded in 1988, when brothers Roland and Frédéric Bonnard claimed one hectare under vines out of their parents’ farm. Today, the 16-hectare estate is managed by fifth generation growers and winemakers, Anne-Sophie, Ro- main and Jean-Christophe, who bring their flair and new ambitions to the family enterprise. They’ve uncovered terroirs that speak to them and compelled them to create wines that display great character and a striking local identity. They represent a change of guard of sort, the idealist kind that is taking Bugey out of its slumber.

Their vines are planted on the rugged slopes of Montagnieu, clinging onto cliffs with as much as 70% inclination, where or- ganic and biodynamic practices channel the terroir most authentically. The calcareous soil suits Pinot Noir, while deep clays flatter native Mondeuse. Where the two meet, on a bed of fine pebbles, Chardonnay and Roussette thrive.

2020 MAISON BONNARD ‘LES BONNES’ CHARDONNAY – BUGEY, FR

This Chardonnay is grown on steep, rocky vineyards in the heart of the Bugey appellation, which confer it minerality and opulence. It has so much in common with the most delectable Chablis, and a promising future with that. The fruit was hand harvested, whole bunch pressed and naturally fermented in stainless steel tanks. The wine was aged in 3-to-4-year-old barrels for 10 months. Intense aromas of toasted almonds, acacia flower, and brioche fill the nose and extend on the medium-bodied, flavourful palate. It’s full of verve, intense citrus and stone fruit flavours, and a striking acid line carrying on endlessly.

2020 MAISON BONNARD MONDEUSE DE MONTAGNIEU ROUGE – BUGEY, FR

This Mondeuse hails from hillside vineyards in the heart of Bugey. The fruit was hand harvested. 85% was destemmed and cold macerated for 3 days, followed by 15 days of maceration. The wine was aged in 3- to 4-year-old barrels for 10 months. This wine has a vibrant ruby colour with a bright purple rim. It is deep and dark fruited, with blackberry, cherry, and a stark acidity and tannic grip reminiscent of baking spices and plum skins. It drinks beautifully in its youth but promises to develop in complexity over time.

2021 MAISON BONNARD BUGEY ‘LA BRIVE’ CHARDONNAY

Bugey La Brive is unoaked, it is a fresh and fruit-driven expression of Chardonnay that highlights Bugey’s Alpine character. The fruit grows on clay-limestone soils that are organically and biodynamically farmed. The plot is located right above the Brive river. The fruit was hand harvested, whole bunch pressed and naturally fermented in stainless steel tanks. The wine was further aged in stainless steel tanks on lees for 12 months. It was unfined and lightly filtered. You won’t find a more straightforward expression of Chardonnay from Bugey – clear, crisp and pleasantly acidic with grapefruit, lime and tart Granny Smith apple characters deeply engrained on the palate – it’s effortlessly thirst quenching and has a bit of funk adding even more drinking appeal.

2022 MAISON BONNARD PINOT NOIR LES BRAVELLES

organically and biodynamically farmed, with traditional tillage and natural grassing. 100% gamay, located in “les arcs”, a clay-limestone soil on the steepest slopes of the village of crept. on tasting, a brilliant ruby-red color. a nose dominated by crunchy red fruit. an energetic gamay with a fine tannic structure that enhances the red fruit aromas and spicy notes. serve lightly chilled, 14°c.

2018 MAISON BONNARD BUGEY EXRA BRUT

This fresh and fruit-driven sparkling wine comes from steep hillside vineyards rooted in clay-limestone soils. All vineyard and cellar work are done in coherence with nature, so as to let the land speak through each bottle produced. Montagnieu Brut is the perfect apéritif wine and is perfect for serving before (or even throughout) a large meal.