Philippe Balivet Bugey Cerdon Methode Ancestrale

Vintage: Non-Vintage

Origin: Bugey, France (Bugey-Cerdon)

Grapes: Gamay

Alcohol: 7%

This expressive sparkling rosé is a standout from the Bugey region, crafted by Vincent and Cécile Balivet. Using the méthode ancestrale, the wine undergoes a single fermentation that naturally creates its delicate bubbles. While many in the region use a blend, the Balivets focus on 100% Gamay, ensuring a pure expression of the grape. Uniquely, they blend vintages to maintain a consistent style, with this bottling combining the 2022 and 2023 harvests alongside a touch of older wine for added depth. The fruit is fermented slowly at cool temperatures with very little sulphur, resulting in a low-alcohol, semi-sweet sparkler that remains perfectly balanced.

On the nose, the wine is bright and floral, offering scents of wild strawberry, cherry blossom, and violets. The palate is crisp and lively, featuring a "crunchy" fruit character of raspberry and red cherry that plays beautifully against the natural residual sugar. It is a refreshing and highly drinkable bottle, coming in at just 7% alcohol, which makes it an ideal choice for an aperitif or a pairing for fruit-based desserts.