Mâcon Wine Region Guide

Burgundy's largest white wine-producing region, Mâcon is the capital of the Mâconnais region of Burgundy, with which it shares its name of the appellation. It is a generic appellation covering red, white, and rosé wines produced within the Mâconnais sub-region.

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Where is Mâcon?

Mâcon wine appellation is located on the west of the Saône river in Burgundy, Central France. The city of Macon, 35 miles south of Chalon, is the name given to a large, steep, and deeply rural location that is gaining known for producing really interesting whites on its own.

Historical Background of Mâcon

Vines were first planted here in Gallo-Roman times, and the strong abbeys of Tournus and Cluny nurtured them in the Middle Ages. Mâcon was once known for its red wines, but white Mâconnais wines have risen to prominence over the twentieth century. Today, the Mâcon appellation oversees 53 hectares of vineyard, 70% of which is dedicated to the production of white wine, principally Chardonnay.

Types of Terroirs in Mâcon

The primary grape here is Chardonnay, the core Burgundian white grape variety which thrives in the clay-limestone soil in the warmer temperature of southern Burgundy's Mâconnais region. Because of the warmer weather, the grape can ripen for longer, producing more complex aromas and flavors.
Likewise, red wines under the generic Mâcon appellation are made from either Pinot Noir or Gamay, but the latter is more common because Pinot Noir wines can also be classified under the more famous Bourgogne AOC appellation. As for rosé Mâcon wines, both varieties or a blend of both grapes is used.

Mâcon Wine Characteristics

Mâcon wines are simple but delightful, and the dry whites, in particular, are noteworthy for their flowery and nutty characteristics. They contain a high concentration of flavor and acidity, which ensures that they keep well. Their personality is full and smooth.
White or yellow gold in color, or straw-colored with silvery or greenish highlights, Mâconnais white wines are light in color. The wine will have flowery and citrus aromas for the first few years. After three to five years of maturing, the notes will shift to peach, pear, and apricot giving it a fuller style. The wines are well-balanced and reasonably priced, regardless of type or age.
Whereas Mâconnais reds range in color from cherry to dark ruby to deep garnet. Small red and black fruits (gooseberry, bilberry) are accented by notes of underbrush, fungus, fruit-pit, and animal in their aroma.

Food to Pair With Mâcon wine

Fish with Mâcon wine

Usually, light-flavored, fish dishes go perfectly well with the white wines, especially the delightful young Macon wines. Enjoy a glass of dry Chardonnay wine with your meal that seeks to balance the flavor and texture with its citrusy, flowery notes.

Veal with Mâcon wine

Sauteed, broiled, grilled, or braised, a veal can be cooked in many different ways. It is simply a real treat to the eyes and the soul. The veal paired with Macon wines complements the dish since the wines have the perfect blend of vivacity, fullness, and smoothness, as well as aromatic complexity.

Oysters With Mâcon wine

Oysters and Chardonnay of the Burgundy wine region is a classic pairing that one cannot say no to! Oysters have a distinct brinky, salty flavor that is balanced by a delicate sweetness and creaminess. Pairing it with a dry acidic white wine with mineral undertones, similar to the elements of the shellfish will wash away the fat from your palate and let you enjoy the oyster’s richness all over again.

Top Places to Visit in Mâcon

Musée des Ursulines

The Ursuline Museum is housed in a charming 17th-century Ursuline convent that features a variety of exhibits on the region's lengthy history and the lives of those who live in the area. The Museum is dedicated to the archeology and ethnography department that displays the tools, bones, and weapons from a prehistoric site in Solutré as well as showcases the practices of local potters, winemakers, and Saône fishermen.

Pont Saint-Laurent

The Saint-Laurent is the oldest bridge that connects the communes of Saint-Laurent-sur-Saône in the Ain department with Mâcon in the Saône-et-Loire department. Take a walk along the Saône riverside's long terrace of pastel-colored Italian-style houses and get to understand why Mâcon is said to have a Mediterranean feeling. It is one of the most interesting and attractive places for visitors.

Église Saint-Pierre de Mâcon

Erected in the mid-nineteenth century across the town hall is the beautiful Saint-Pierre Church. It is built in the neo-Romanesque style and features two huge bells of 53-meter-high towers with stone spires. The three-stone doorways on the front facade, particularly the bigger center door, are encircled by intricately carved stonework. Along with that the murals, organ, rose windows, and a remarkable pulpit with two stairways are all worth seeing.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Mâcon Wine Appellation