As a sommelier and brewer, I can shed some light on the geographical and historical context of Bugey and its relationship with Savoy. While it is true that the closest vineyards of Bugey and Savoy are located in close proximity to each other, Bugey is not technically part of the Savoy wine region.
Historically, Bugey was actually part of the Burgundy region, which is known for its world-renowned wines. This historical connection to Burgundy has influenced the winemaking practices and grape varieties found in Bugey. The region is situated in the Ain department, which is separate from Savoy both geographically and administratively.
However, due to their close proximity and shared mountainous terrain, Bugey and Savoy have some similarities in terms of climate and terroir. Both regions benefit from the cooling influence of the nearby Alps, which helps to create favorable conditions for grape cultivation. The mountainous landscape also contributes to the unique character and flavor profiles of the wines produced in these regions.
It is worth noting that there are some overlapping grape varieties between Bugey and Savoy, such as Jacquère and Mondeuse. These grape varieties are well-suited to the mountainous terroir and produce wines with distinct characteristics. However, while there may be shared grape varieties, each region has its own distinct winemaking traditions and styles.
In my personal experience, I have had the opportunity to taste wines from both Bugey and Savoy. While there may be some similarities in terms of grape varieties and terroir, I have found that the wines from Bugey have their own unique expression and flavor profiles. The sparkling wines from Bugey, made using the traditional method, are particularly noteworthy and offer a refreshing and crisp alternative to the more well-known sparkling wines of Champagne.
To summarize, while Bugey and Savoy are geographically close and share some similarities in terms of climate and grape varieties, Bugey is not officially part of the Savoy wine region. Its historical connection to Burgundy, unique winemaking traditions, and distinct terroir set it apart as its own wine region within the Ain department.