Maison Bonnard
Crept, Bugey
Maison Bonnard may not be a household name—yet—but it’s part of a quiet revolution stirring in the Alpine foothills. Based in the village of Crept, between Savoie and the Rhône, this is a family deeply rooted in the land, farming and making wine on the edge of the Jura since 1988.
What began as a single hectare carved from their parents’ farm by brothers Roland and Frédéric Bonnard has grown into a 16-hectare estate, now in the hands of the next generation. Anne-Sophie, Romain and Jean-Christophe carry forward the family legacy with renewed purpose, guided by a deep connection to their home turf and a clear vision for its future.
Their vineyards cling to the steep, rugged slopes of Montagnieu, some as sharp as 70%, where working the land is as much a physical act as a philosophical one. Organic and biodynamic practices are the norm, not the exception—approaches that allow the vineyard to speak with clarity and confidence.
Each site is matched to variety with intent: Pinot Noir thrives on limestone, Mondeuse digs deep into clay, and Chardonnay and Roussette find harmony on gravelly beds. The resulting wines are textured, vibrant, and resolutely local—anchored in place yet forward-looking in spirit.
Maison Bonnard is part of a new guard reshaping Bugey’s identity with precision, honesty, and an unwavering belief in their land.
2020 Roussette de Montagnieu Blanc
Roussette de Montagnieu, has been a recognized Bugey cru since 2009. Blue clay dominates the area where the variety grows, resulting in wines that stand out for their aromatic intensity and smoothness.
Winemaking:
This wine is made of 100% Roussette grapes. The fruit was hand harvested, whole bunch pressed and fermented naturally in stainless steel tanks. The wine was aged on lees in stainless steel tanks for 18 months, then lightly filtered before bottling.
Tasting Notes:
It is unctuous and complex with intense aromas of orange blossom, quince, even lightly oxidative characters, and especially earthy truffle notes that do a lot for its gourmet feel. It has a forthright acidity and slight apricot kernel bitterness that make for a long and intriguing finish.
2021 Bugey ‘Les Bonnes’ Chardonnay
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.
Winemaking:
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.
Tasting Notes:
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.
2022 Gamay ‘Les Arcs’
100% Gamay from Clay-limestone soil on the steepest slopes of the village of Crept, Bugey. From a Organic and Biodynamic Vineyard.
Winemaking:
The fruit was hand harvested in whole bunch. Manual harvest in whole bunch. Vinified in carbonic maceration for 6 days Aging for 12 months in stainless steel tank.
Tasting Notes:
On the nose, it offers fresh and fruity aromas of cherry, raspberry, blackberry and delicate floral notes. On the palate, this wine is light and fresh, with soft tannins and lively acidity. The flavors of crisp red fruits, sour cherry, strawberry and light spicy notes unfold with elegance. The finish is lively and refreshing.
2022 Pinot Noir ‘Les Gravelles’
100% Pinot Noir from Clay-limestone soil on the steepest slopes of the village of Crept, Bugey. From a Organic and Biodynamic Vineyard.
Winemaking:
The fruit was hand harvested in whole bunch, 85% destemmed. Cold maceration for 2-3 days; following maceration for 10 days. Aging for 12 months in stainless steel tank.
Tasting Notes:
A brilliant garnet red color. Anose of cherry and morellocherry, faithful to the grapevariety. Aged in stainless steel tank,the Pinot expresses itselfwith great purity, offeringpredominantly floral aromasand notes of forest fruits,accompanied by a fine tannicstructure.
2021 Mondeuse de Montagnieu Rouge
This Mondeuse hails from hillside vineyards in the heart of Bugey.
Winemaking:
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.
Tasting Notes:
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.