Pouilly-Fuissé, Solutré and the terroirs of southern Mâconnais
Pouilly-Fuissé has established itself as the benchmark for fine wines from the Mâconnais region. Nestled around the villages of Fuissé, Solutré-Pouilly, Vergisson and Chaintré, the vineyards flourish on steep slopes dominated by the rocks of Solutré and Vergisson, the emblems of the region.
Made from Chardonnay grapes, Pouilly-Fuissé seduces with its full-bodied, distinguished expression. The strength of the AOP lies in its diversity of terroirs. The soils, mainly clay-limestone of Jurassic origin, alternate with marl and stony scree. The east and south-east exposures promote early ripening while preserving tension. Each climat thus delivers a unique interpretation of Chardonnay, from the most lively to the most opulent. This richness was recognised in 2020 when certain climats were awarded the status of premier cru.
Mâcon – and Mâcon-Villages – is the quintessential introductory AOC. The vines are mainly planted on plateaus or gentle slopes, on clay-limestone or clay-siliceous soils. The style of the wines varies greatly from one village – or climat – to another.
Saint-Véran, meanwhile, has made a significant leap in quality, bringing it closer to Pouilly-Fuissé. It might even have caught up with it, had history not intervened. The plots are located on well-drained slopes, often quite chalky, with very favourable exposures. The wines have a strong structure, clear tension and good ageing potential.
Finally, the lesser-known appellations of Pouilly-Vinzelles and Pouilly-Loché are based on clay-limestone or schist soils, similar to those found in Pouilly-Fuissé. Pouilly-Vinzelles produces fuller-bodied wines with high maturity and good ageing potential. Pouilly-Loché, fresher and more tense, is distinguished by its more vertical style, which is also slightly more linear.
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