From: Montagnieu, Bugey, France
Varietal: Mondeuse, Altesse, Chardonnay
Taste: Its golden-hued, lightly frothy appearance is inviting, with a fine and persistent mousse. On the nose, the wine reveals layers of complexity, opening with fresh alpine herbs and wildflowers. Zesty citrus notes of lemon peel and lime bring brightness, while crisp green apple, apricot, and creamy vanilla add refreshing fruitiness and depth. The palate is textured with flavors, driven by lively acidity that highlights a lemony core. Citrus ripeness balances with mineral undertones, while green apple and apricot appear with hints of brioche and toasted nuts from extended lees aging.
Pairing: Try with goat cheese tartlets topped with a drizzle of honey and fresh thyme, where the wine’s citrus and herbal notes lift the savory richness of the cheese. For seafood, seared scallops with a lemon-butter sauce make an excellent pairing, as the wine’s mineral undertones and bright acidity balance the dish's richness. For poultry, a classic roast chicken with tarragon and lemon draws out the wine’s nuanced herbal and citrus flavors. Try caramelized onion and Gruyère tart for a vegetarian option, where the wine’s citrus and mineral-driven character counter the dish’s savory depth. Finally, a bowl of butternut squash ravioli in sage brown butter plays beautifully with the wine’s creamy texture and subtle hints of toasted nuts.
Deborah Madison's Fragrant Onion Tart
Recipe from Deborah Madison
Adapted by Julia Moskin, NYT Cooking
About: Franck Peillot is a fifth-generation winemaker from Montagnieu, a village in the Bugey region of eastern France. The Peillot family's viticultural heritage dates back over a century, with Franck taking over the estate from his father, Jean Peillot, in 1985. Initially, the family managed a polyculture farm, with viticulture being just one component. Under Franck's stewardship, the focus shifted predominantly to winemaking, expanding the vineyard holdings to approximately 6.5 hectares.
