Pouilly-Fuissé PDO
Pouilly-Fuissé: all the charm of Chardonnay and the Mâconnais
The fruit of exceptional terroirs, an emblematic grape variety and the know-how of passionate winegrowers, AOC Pouilly-Fuissé has risen to the rank of the great white wines of Burgundy, its reputation having nothing to envy that of Chablis. In a grandiose landscape made famous by the pilgrimages of a certain François Mitterrand, the vineyards flourish around the communes of Solutré-Pouilly, Fuissé, Vergisson and Chaintré. Each village, each terroir expresses itself in the wines it produces. Diversity is therefore the order of the day. And for lovers of white Burgundy wines, the Mâconnais remains a safe reference at an often reasonable price.
General presentation of the appellation
Pouilly-Fuissé has its roots in the southernmost vineyard of Burgundy. It is indeed in the Mâconnais that the Pouilly-Fuissé vines are spread out, over an area of more than 750 hectares. To the west of Mâcon, they stretch out in the heart of a sublime landscape, with the Solutré rock as a backdrop. Other great wines bear the name of Pouilly and confusion is not uncommon. The no less famous Pouilly-Fumé is a Loire wine.
But let's stay in the Mâconnais, a vineyard dominated by Chardonnay. This grape variety finds its home in Southern Burgundy and gives its original character to Pouilly-Fuissé. It also gives the wine its golden colour and its original, intense and fruity bouquet.
Pouilly-Fuissé is a Village appellation of Burgundy. Moreover, in the Mâconnais, only the Village appellation is represented. Alongside Pouilly-Fuissé are the communal appellations Pouilly-Vinzelles, Pouilly-Loché, Saint-Véran and Viré-Clessé. The Pouilly-Fuissé appellation can be completed by the name of the Climat where the wine was born. The parcels are very numerous in this vineyard, thus giving a happy and great diversity of wines.
No wine has yet been classified as Grand Cru or Premier Cru, at least for the moment. In 2017, some winegrowers asked for a new classification of their crus, continuing an effort of hierarchization started more than 10 years ago on the vineyard. In 2019, more than 180 hectares divided into 22 Climats should be classified as Premier Cru.
Characteristics of Pouilly-Fuissé
Pouilly-Fuissé is characterised by its clear, limpid colour with sparkling golden highlights. It has a lovely nose and an intense, powerful and exquisite bouquet. Notes of citrus fruits such as grapefruit mark its aromatic palette, as well as exotic fruits or peach. Floral hints of lime and acacia further enhance the original flavours of this Burgundian white wine, tinged at the end with a mineral aspect. Balance, freshness and roundness largely define this white wine.
A pouilly-fuissé lends itself to ageing. When bottled young, its vigour allows it to age for at least 20 years, at the end of which time it will blossom and take on a new gracefulness. When aged in oak barrels, Pouilly-Fuissé has aromas of toasted almonds.
How to taste a pouilly-fuissé
A supple, greedy and complex white wine, pouilly-fuissé is best served chilled, at a temperature of between 11 and 13°. This Burgundy wine goes well with fish, shellfish and crustaceans, as well as creamy dishes, cold meats, head cheese and the famous Burgundy snails. It is also an excellent aperitif wine, which seduces with its golden colour with emerald reflections. Pouilly-fuissé can also be enjoyed with goat's cheese, tomme for example.
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