October 19, 2023 / Gastronomy

Summer, beautiful season ofaperitif, plays overtime. Yet here comes thefall, the cherished season of drinks enjoyed in sweaters and socks in front of the fire. Result, between evening on the terrace and Halloween, your heart swings. And if the tourism office, a bit of a magician, had the power to bring together the best of both worlds? Abracadabra! A aperitif platter with fall flavors, with good 100% local products ! Invocation of Bugey wines, hint of terroir, charm of the flavors of Ain... And there you have it, you will enjoy Pérouges in Bugey!

With the flavor of autumn

Taste some Bugey wine on the terrace or Ramekin fondue ? Difficult to choose between two pleasures. The tourist office has put together a lovely aperitif basket for you with the flavors of Ain. Taste and colors of autumn on a platter!

les produits du terroir de l'Ain dans un plateau apéro de l'automne
vignobles du Bugey à l'automne pour une balade entre amis avec dégustation de vin
Les produits des producteurs locaux de l'Ain, entre Pérouges et Bugey (01)

What do you want to drink ?

The aperitif, in all seasons, begins with the sound of a traffic jam. As everyone knows, autumn and wine are inseparable. And in Ain, it is fashionable to serve a glass of Bugey wines.

The sweet sound of traffic jams.

Hand-pressed wine

La Martin-Cocher House is a brand new arrival in Bugey. Clément, his young winemaker, nevertheless likes to do things “the old-fashioned way”. On the farm, there are 4 hectares of vines spent with patience, by hand, traditional press. The juice then rests for a long time in wooden barrels. Like before. Shh, let’s move on quietly to the tasting without disturbing the angels who are drinking their share…

Martin-Cocher wines bring us surprises in originality. Like white wine from vines on stakes. The stake, another method “like before”.

This is the wine from the steepest plots, on the heights of Montagnieu.

Barriques en bois et tonneaux de vins du Bugey à Lhuis Domaine Martin-Cocher

And there is also the Mondeuse, A very local vintage, which has a very mild 10.5°.

The opportunity to appreciate the taste of pressed grapes with tannic accents, without the acidity of alcohol. Amazing!

Here the wine is " hand sewn ", delicate, elegant and simple at the same time. Like a linen dress with lace details, found in an oak wardrobe. Aromas of white fruits, freshness, hint of wood: enough to start this autumn aperitif platter off on the right (vine) foot.

Beer, fundamental

Beer, a sure bet for an aperitif. Ever since a distant ancestor threw three seeds into a bowl, poured himself a mug and called it “aperitif”. What an excellent idea!

Relax, open up some fresh foam.

The little foam of the craft brewery Malt Emoi does the job perfectly. Blonde or amber, the dresses of the pints match the autumn colors. They go wonderfully with cheeses and cold meats. Made in family at the Meximieux production workshop, they have a taste for conviviality.

The icing on the hops, Malt Emoi beers hold the label Flavors of Ain©. A true product of the country!

Raw apple

Alcohol-free aperitif does not prevent the farandole! Autumn is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of a good artisanal apple juice. To buy directly at Favier orchard, a very small estate as high as three apples. Here the fruits are organic, gently grown and picked by hand.

Pomme du verger du Favier et du potager du Paradis, des producteurs locaux à 5 min de la cité médiévale de Pérouges

Finally an opportunity for your hipster-urban friend to use in his shiny juicer. A little Virgin Apple Fizz?

Jus de pomme artisanal fabriqué à Meximieux au verger du Favier, à 5 min de la cité médiévale de Pérouges (01)

And you can feel it! Sweet, soft and full of vitamins, all freshly harvested. For the most motivated, a delight to squeeze yourself.

Ain on the plate

South of Ain, east of Lyon, the territory has three faces. There Dombes, Ain plain and Bugey mountains, each with its own specialties. Enough to compose a hearty, colorful garnished basket full of flavors of Ain.

At the origins, sausage

The lighthouse, the unmissable, the star of the aperitif platter: the dry sausage ! That of the brand formerly aptly named “Au bon saucisson”, which has become Maison Chabaud is a multi-medalist. The name changes but not the recipes: new generation rhymes here with tradition. Already more than 100 that the family delights lovers of quality aperitifs near Meximieux.

Saucisson médaillé de la boutique Maison Chabaud, anciennement Au bon Saucisson à Meximieux, à 5 min de la cité médiévale de Pérouges (01)
La boutique familiale au bon saucisson régale de ses produits du terroir la commune de Meximieux et la cité médiévale de Pérouges, à 5 min en voiture
Maison Chabaud, anciennement Au bon saucisson à Meximieux, à 5 min de la cité médiévale de Pérouges (Ain)

The natural sausage is fine, tender, rich just as it should be. For those with a sweet tooth, it can appear on the table with its brothers and sisters: Beaufort, hazelnuts, porcini mushrooms... The range is almost infinite, as is the pleasure!

However, the Oscar for the aperitif evening goes to pie “Prestige”. A name that fits him like a glove. Guinea fowl, morels, pistachios and foie gras inclusions.

The pâté in gala dress! Or how to add elegance to your dinner.

Le pâté en croûtes de Maison Chabaud ou Au bon saucisson est à retrouvé à la boutique de Meximieux, tout près de la cité médiévale de Pérouges dans l'Ain (01)

The cheese round

Another happy family affair that the farm “To the delight of the rocks” in St-Maurice-de-Gourdans. Father and son raise their pretty goats which produce delicious cheeses of the shop. A cute boutique with a grocery section.

Les miels Prévost sont produits dans l'Ain à Villieu, commune à 5 min de Meximieux et la cité médiévale de Pérouges, à l'Est de Lyon (01)

Grocery store where you will also find excellent honey, produced in Villieu for a touch of originality in your aperitif.

On fresh bread: fresh goat cheese, pieces of walnuts or hazelnuts, sprinkled with a drizzle of country honey. The perfect recipe to tantalize your guests' taste buds.

And because there is never enough cheese, head there Coastal Dairy in Meximieux. The classics timeless aperitif: Fruity Comté and Tomme de pays. Married to the flavors of Ain, the nuggets of the neighboring territories of Jura and Savoie bring everyone together.

La laiterie de la côtière à Meximieux, une boutique incontournable à 5 min de la cité médiévale de Pérouges dans l'Ain (01), à la sortie de l'autoroute A42 direction Genève
La laiterie de la côtière à Meximieux, 5 min de la cité médiévale de Pérouges pour rapporter un panier souvenirs des produits de l'Ain (01), à l'Est de Lyon
Fromage fermier de la laiterie de la côtière à Meximieux, sur la Plaine de l'Ain, à côté de la cité médiévale de Pérouges (01)

Light sides

Okay, let’s review the shopping list: wine, beers, sausage, cheese, bread… Oh yes, bread! Essential to accompany good things.

Have you thought about bread, darling?

Pain frais et cuit au four à proximité de la cité médiévale de Pérouges dans l'Ain (01)

A little special mention: you can order your seasonal pizza to complete your platter.

Cooked over a wood fire, it's even better. At the farm “Epicurieux” of St-Eloi, Valériane and Gaëtan produce organic and biodynamic wheat and rye flours. Which results in a varied range of deliciously rustic breads.

Our advice: cereal bread, with roasted notes, which goes well with cheeses and cold meats. Plus it will look great on your set!

Vegetarian paradise

Le Potager du Paradis, un espace maraîcher ouvert au public en vente directe à 5 min de la cité médiévale de Pérouges dans l'Ain

Lovers of dips and other raw vegetables, a thought for you. With the “Paradise vegetable garden“, in Bourg-Saint-Christophe, the color and seasonal vegetables invite themselves among the victuals. Beautiful rustic carrots with an authentic taste will make a great homemade hummus. In verrines, pumpkins and butternuts will make mini soups appreciated autumn weather.

Les légumes produits en plein air à la ferme du Potager du Paradis à Bourg-St-Christophe, commune à côté de la cité médiévale de Pérouges et 5 min de Meximieux sur la Plaine de l'Ain
Vente directe toutes les semaines à la ferme maraîchère Potager du Paradis à Bourg Saint Christophe, proche de la cité médiévale de Pérouges dans l'Ain (01) et de Meximieux
Le cresson en vente directe et en ligne à la cressonnière du Bugey, un espace maraîcher à côté d'Ambérieu en Bugey dans l'Ain.

Especially with pieces of chestnuts or even more surprising: cress ! A little spicy and fresh taste to add a peppery touch to your soups. To the Bugey watercress, you can even order it online! The cooking, health and eco-responsible advantage of your evening, since the workshop hires staff in professional reintegration. Perfect !

The original & autumnal touch

To complete your beautiful autumn platter flavors of Ain, the tourist office gives you its tips. Keep that to yourself, of course.

Fruit jams

The wow effect of the set? Pots of seasonal fruit or vegetable compotes “In the middle of the fruits”.

To add colors and fibers to the whole and amaze your guests. Pumpkin jam, fillet on fresh goat’s cheese, a combination to die for!

Les fruits et confitures artisanales du producteur "Au millieu des fruits" à Lhuis au cœur du Bugey Sud
Confitures, compotes et fruits à la boutique Au Millieu des Fruits du Bugey, produits à Lhuis, à retrouver en vente directe ou en magasin producteur au Bocal à St Sorlin en Bugey

Quince and Comté puree, autumn in the mouth. Even more unknown, the balloon jam – gooseberries – and its plum taste.

A whole world of amazing flavors to marry according to your desires.

And there you have it, a autumn aperitif platter, fresh, colorful and full of flavors picked between Pérouges and Bugey. Ain has a few tricks up its sleeve against its cousin Lyon gastronomy. Enjoy your lunch !

An aperitif with the taste of autumn on the roads of Ain

Going on a hike or bike ride in Ain and want a gourmet break?

To improvise an aperitif board on the road, go to distributor of local products in Ste-Julie. In self-service 7 days a week, with payment by credit card, everything to return to the gîte with good, fresh and local things.

Sabrina Megani

Published by

Sabrina

Residence advisor

Old stones and pretty villages, she can't get enough of them. So much so that she moved to Pérouges, where she discovered a passion for gardening! Also likes to walk (but not run, never run) and take pictures. The rest of the time she prefers reading and eating cheese (with wine).

 

Special sign : collects tartan clothing.
Preferred country: Scotland (unless it's Italy).
Absolute fan of: tea !
Nature favorite: the blue lake.
Cultural favorite: the Ambronay festival.