AOC Pouilly Fuissé

History of the Pouilly-Fuissé Vineyard

While the most prestigious appellations in Burgundy are mainly located in the Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits, the white wines of the AOC Pouilly-Fuissé appellation have made a name for themselves among the great white wines of Burgundy. Complex, deep, and charming, the white wines of Pouilly-Fuissé showcase the full potential of Mâconnais wines. In this guide, discover everything you need to know about the history, terroir, and grape variety of wines from the AOC Pouilly-Fuissé appellation. Also, follow our advice to create the best food and wine pairings with a bottle of dry white AOC Pouilly-Fuissé wine.

History of the Pouilly-Fuissé Vineyard

The AOC Pouilly-Fuissé appellation is located in Burgundy, in the communes of Chaintré, Fuissé, Solutré-Pouilly, and Vergisson, in the Mâconnais region (along with the village of Saint-Vérand or the village of Viré-Clessé). Viticulture began in Burgundy from the Gallo-Roman era. The vineyard then developed during the Middle Ages under the influence of monasteries and the Dukes of Burgundy. While until the 18th century, the vineyards of Pouilly-Fuissé mainly cultivated Gamay (like the entire Mâconnais region), Chardonnay gradually gained prominence, especially after the replanting of vineyards following the phylloxera crisis. Today, the entire vineyard is made up of Chardonnay, and the AOC Pouilly-Fuissé appellation (recognized since 1936) exclusively produces dry white wine, renowned as one of the most successful in Burgundy.

Climate and Terroir of the Pouilly-Fuissé Appellation

Climate: The AOC Pouilly-Fuissé appellation benefits from a temperate continental climate. Depending on the soil and topography, the appellation also has numerous microclimates.

Soils: The AOC Pouilly-Fuissé is mainly composed of clay-limestone soil, although some climates may consist of crystalline, schist, and sandy soils.

Premier Crus: The AOC Pouilly-Fuissé appellation is divided into 4 climates, each characterized by its specific terroirs, as well as 22 Premier Crus since 2020:

• Fuissé: Les Vignes Blanches, Vers Cras, Le Clos, Les Brûlés, Les Perrières, Les Combettes;
• Solutré-Pouilly: En Servy, La Frérie, Aux Chailloux, Aux Morlays, Vers Cras, Au Clos;
• Vergisson: Les Crays, La Maréchaude, En Carmentrant, En Bulland, Aux Vignes Dessus.
• Chaintré: Les Chevrières, Le Clos de Monsieur Noly, Le Clos Reyssier, les Plantes Vieilles, en Cenan;

Main Grape Variety of the Pouilly-Fuissé Appellation

The AOC Pouilly-Fuissé appellation exclusively produces white wine from a single grape variety: Chardonnay.

Chardonnay is the emblematic white grape variety of Burgundy and also one of the most planted grape varieties in the world. In Burgundy, and more specifically in Pouillé-Fuissé, it produces dry white wine with delicate notes of citrus (lemon, grapefruit), white flowers (acacia, lime), and dried fruits (almond, hazelnut). When aged in oak barrels, Chardonnay develops aromas of toast, vanilla, and brioche. In the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation, it also develops a beautiful minerality characteristic of the terroir.

Style of Pouilly-Fuissé Wines

Eye: The robe of an AOC Pouilly-Fuissé offers a pale gold color with yellow straw reflections. The robe is often clear and brilliant.

Nose: An AOC Pouilly-Fuissé wine evokes aromas of citrus, white fruits, hazelnut, buttered brioche, and lime blossom.

Palate: Ample, chiseled, and mineral, Pouilly-Fuissé stands out for its complexity and fine bitterness on the finish, which offers a lot of relief to the wine. The notes present on the nose mingle with the minerality and opulence of the palate for a perfect balance.

Serving Temperature: 11°C to 13°C

Aging Potential: 5 to 10 years (or more for the best estates and vintages).

Best Food Pairings with Pouilly-Fuissé

Here are some ideas for dishes to accompany a bottle of dry white wine from a domaine in the AOC Pouilly-Fuissé:

• Veal Blanquette
• Baked sea bream
• Cassolette of scallops
• Lobster with white butter
• Bresse chicken with morel sauce
• Sushi
• Seafood blanquette
• Smoked salmon

On Avenue des Vins, each estate is carefully selected, and all our wine bottles are available for delivery to your home, directly from the estate or château of your choice. Enjoy a Pouilly-Fuissé wine, a white wine from the Mâconnais, Burgundy, or any other region of France, by discovering our bottles at the best price directly from the estate or château!