AOC Pouilly-Fuissé

History of the Pouilly-Fuissé Vineyard

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

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). Vine cultivation began in Burgundy during 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 Pouilly-Fuissé vineyard mainly cultivated Gamay (like the entire Mâconnais region), Chardonnay gradually imposed itself, especially after the replanting of the vineyard 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 AOC Pouilly-Fuissé

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 certain climates may be made up of crystalline, schist, and sandy soils.

Premier Crus:

The AOC Pouilly-Fuissé appellation is divided into 4 climates, each characterized by its specific terroir, along with 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 AOC Pouilly-Fuissé

The AOC Pouilly-Fuissé appellation produces only single-varietal white wine made from 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 Pouilly-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 roasted, vanilla, and brioche. In the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation, it also develops a beautiful minerality characteristic of the terroir.

Style of Pouilly-Fuissé Wines

Appearance: The robe of an AOP Pouilly-Fuissé offers a sustained pale gold color with straw yellow highlights. The robe is often clear and bright.

Nose: An AOP Pouilly-Fuissé wine evokes aromas of citrus fruits, white fruits, hazelnut, buttery brioche, and lime.

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

Serving Temperature: 11°C-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 AOC Pouilly-Fuissé:

• Veal Blanquette
• Baked Sea Bream
• Scallop Casserole
• Lobster with Beurre Blanc
• Bresse Chicken with Morel Sauce
• Sushi
• Seafood Blanquette
• Smoked Salmon

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