Mâconnais Wine Region Guide

The Maconnais wine region is the southernmost wine region of Burgundy, centered in the town of Macon. The wine region is best known for its affordable white wines. The region is further subdivided into seven wine appellations, with almost all producing aromatic white wines from Chardonnay. The region is also known for its notable red and rose wines made from Gamay and Pinot Noir. The area is distinguished by colorful houses, rolling hills, and a milder climate. In addition to the regional appellation, the region has six AOC villages: Pouilly-Fuissé, Pouilly-Loché, Pouilly-Vinzelles, Saint-Véran, Viré-Clessé, and Mâcon-Village.

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Where is the Mâconnais wine region?

The Maconnais wine region is centered on the town of Macon, which is located in southern Burgundy, just west of the Saone river. The region is a 35-kilometer-long, 10-kilometer-wide strip of land between Sennecey le Grand and Saint Verand. The Maconnais wine region is bounded by two valleys: the Grosne to the west and the Saone to the east. The Saone river flows through the region, meeting the Rhone to the south. The region is bounded to the north by the Cote d'Or and to the south by the Rhone.

History of the Mâconnais wine region

During Roman times, Macon was an important location. Monasteries influenced winemaking and viticulture in the Maconnais wine region, as they do in many wine-growing areas throughout Europe. Willian I, Count of Macon, founded the abbey of Cluny in the early 10th century. The Benedictine tradition of ora et labora was followed in the region. Monks were involved in viticulture and winemaking in the region, helping to establish the entire Maconnais wine region as a wine-growing district.

The terroir and geography of the Mâconnais wine region

The Maconnais wine region is characterized by rolling limestone hills, sparsely planted vineyards along with other crops, and a Mediterranean-influenced climate. Unlike Cote d’Or, the region is warmer with lower rainfall. Some of the prestigious villages including Pouilly, Vinzelles, and Loch are located in the rolling hills of the region which are considered the best of the Maconnais. The soil here is limestone-based clay that has a high content of alkaline, iron, and minerals. Chardonnay responds quite well to this soil bringing out great flavor and freshness. Grapes here grow riper and richer in flavor than Cote d’Or and Chablis which is well reflected in their powerful white wines. 

Popular grape varieties from the Mâconnais wine region

The most planted grape variety in the Maconnais wine region is Chardonnay, which accounts for more than 80% of total production. The region also grows Gamay and Pinot Noir, which are used to make red and rose wines. The Maconnais wine region's seven subregions produce white, red, and rose wines in a variety of styles. The vineyards cover an area of 6991 hectares. Pouilly-Fuisse white wines are regarded as the best in the Maconnais wine region. When it comes to wine production and labeling, the wine region has stringent regulations.

Food to pair with Mâconnais wine 

Sole meunière

Sole Meuniere is a traditional fish dish that originated in France. The dish comprises meaty fish or fillet dusted in flour and then sauteed in butter. The pan is later glazed to prepare the brown butter sauce which is actually known as Meunier. Fish of choice is usually sole or trout, which are skinned before cooking. The dish is usually garnished with parsley and with a bit of lemon juice to give an extra punch. Some cook this dish differently and use deep frying rather than sauteing to get a crisper exterior. The Sole meuniere goes well with the dry powerful riesling from the Maconnais wine region.  

Crab Cakes

Crab Cakes are a type of fishcake that became popular in the United States. The dish is made up of crab meat, bread crumbs, mayonnaise, mustard, eggs, and seasonings. The dish is popular in Maryland. This flavorful recipe calls for blue crab, which is an excellent choice. The dish is typically served on a bun with french fries, coleslaw, or salad. The dish was thought to be the first food eaten by immigrants from the Chesapeake Bay. A recipe featured in Baltimore's Crab Cake helped popularize the dish in the 1930s. Several restaurants call their crab cake Maryland Crab Cake due to the use of Maryland blue crab. The powerful white wines from the Maconnais wine region pair perfectly with these delectable crab cakes.

Torisashi

Torisashi is one of the variations of Sashimi and is a jewel of Japanese cuisine. The dish comprises thinly cut chicken which is lightly seared. The inside of the chicken should be left raw. The dish is traditionally served with ground ginger or mirin sauce. Some parts of the country also serve Torisashi along with sesame seeds, salt, green onions, and washibi. The meat is usually the hearts, gizzards, breasts, thighs, and liver. The chicken needs to be refrigerated immediately after slaughter to prevent bacteria infestation. The dish is served in most of the izakaya bars across Japan. The Maconnais white wines complement the raw and rich torisashi. 

Places to visit in the Mâconnais wine region

Church of Saint-Pierre in Mâcon

The Saint Pierre church is a Roman Catholic church located directly across from Macon's town hall in the Saone-et-Loire region of France. Berthier, a disciple of Viollet le Duc, designed the church in the nineteenth century. The majestic rose windows, twin spires rising from the roof, and large three portals carved into the southern facade distinguish this Romanesque church. The artwork is impressive and well-preserved throughout the church. The largest church in Macon is 75 meters long and 30 meters wide. Discover this amazing historical monument in the heart of Macon, just a few blocks from the Saone River.

Mâcon Cathedral

The Macon Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church constructed in a neoclassical style. The cathedral housed the Bishop of Macon until he was deposed in 1801. The church was said to have been built in 1070 by Benedictine monks. Over the centuries, the church has undergone several renovations and remodelings, eventually retaining its current appearance. The church was converted into a cathedral in the mid-nineteenth century. This distinctive structure represents the town of Macon.

Frequently asked questions about Mâconnais