Alpine Chardonnay from Bugey showing precise citrus and orchard fruit over a stony, saline frame; focused, mineral and refreshing.
A beautifully focused Alpine Chardonnay, combining the refinement of white Burgundy with the mineral intensity of the Jura. Aromas of crisp pear, lemon peel and white flowers lead into a taut, finely textured palate, with subtle leesy richness, chalky minerality and a gentle savoury edge. Bright acidity and a long, saline finish keep everything precise and wonderfully refreshing.
Les Grangeons de l’Albarine is the tiny Bugey domaine of Luc Bauer, based in the village of Argis at the foot of the Jura mountains. A former agricultural engineer, Luc trained in the Mâconnais and worked with growers including the Bret Brothers and Philippe Jambon before establishing the domaine in 2011.
Today, he farms around three hectares of vines across a collection of steep, isolated parcels, including the historic Coteau d’Argis overlooking the Albarine river. The vineyards are certified organic and worked according to biodynamic principles, with much of the labour carried out by hand.
Le Grangeon Mano comes from a steep Chardonnay parcel planted on limestone scree over marl. The name refers to one of the last surviving “grangeons” — small stone vineyard huts once used by local growers to store equipment and press grapes. Luc’s whites are made slowly and with minimal intervention, producing wines of remarkable clarity, energy and ageing potential.
