Pouilly-Fuissé Wine Region

Pouilly Fuissé is the most well-known white wine region in southern Burgundy where the Chardonnay grape is grown. In the Mâconnais region, vines are grown in limestone soil. The vines are planted on the sloped areas of hills, where they get their easterly or southeasterly exposure. Pouilly Fuissé wine is one of the world's most sought-after white wines, it will never stop being admired. Its mellow taste, full flavor, and wide variety make it an excellent choice any time. We would highly recommend a tour of the Pouilly Fuissé wine region to experience the unique flavour of Chardonnay that is so specific to this region.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Pouilly-Fuissé Wine Region

Where is the Pouilly-Fuissé Wine Region

The Pouilly-Fuissé wine region is in the Mâconnais subregion of Burgundy in central France, located in the communes of Fuissé, Solutré-Pouilly, Vergisson, and Chaintré.

History of Pouilly-Fuissé

From a single Chardonnay grape variety, Pouilly-Fuissé was officially created on January 13th 1929 with the creation of the " Union des Producteurs de Pouilly-Fuissé ." The region was blessed with quality wine production because of the high quality soils, geological diversity and rare climate found in the area. It became a popular wine choice among AOC wines after it was officially recognized on 1936.

Terrior of Pouilly-Fuissé

The slopes of Pouilly-Fuissé wine region have allowed for wines to be made that are often considered consumer favorites, especially the Pouilly-Fuissé variety. These two rocky escarpments of chalky, clay-limestone date back to the Jurassic Period, 200 million years ago and provide a striking focal point in this hilly landscape. This region is also notable for having a unique geological feature that sets it apart from the rest of Burgundy to the north - a limestone plateau. The natural amphitheater in Fuissé highlights another important topographical feature of this area. Terrior is perfect for growing the Chardonnay grape variety.

Pouilly-Fuissé Characteristics 

This dry French wine is elegant, yet complex. It's a beautiful gold and has slight hints of floral scents. On the palate, there are refreshing citrus and peach notes as well as some mineral flavor. Pouilly Fuisse wine has an alcohol content of 13%, delightful oak flavor hints, and a smokey aftertaste due to the wine’s old barrel aging. The barrel vessels are 3-5 years of age so you don't have to worry about the taste being too heavy. Pouilly Fuisse is often compared to the Chardonnays in the Chablis region. On the other hand, Chablis is unoaked and this makes it significantly more acidic than Pouilly Fuisse. The latter's oak aging process makes it full-bodied and smoother on the palate.

Food to pair with Pouilly-Fuissé

1. Pâté

Even though it might sound fancy, pâté can be made cheaply by mixing different meats and vegetables. It's a versatile dish that you can use as a starter or even as the main course for dinner. Pâtés can be enjoyed at any event, whether you're hosting a busy get-together or throwing a classy dinner party. They're both easy to prepare and inexpensive, so they make great appetizers for casual dining with friends. Can't decide on what to serve as the main course? Have the pâté instead! They're versatile in their uses, as they can be poured into a mousse-like consistency and eaten as a spread, while chunkier varieties can be sliced up and consumed. They're often best for appetizer platters and sandwiches. Despite being elevated to haute cuisine and the fine dining scene in the early 20th century, pâté has retained its appeal among all classes, and remains a favorite in France and beyond even today. Pâté pairs well with Pouilly-Fuisse Wines.

2. Coq au vin

This dish is from the French region of Burgundy and the perfect showcase for this harmonious balance of ingredients. Coq (rooster) and vin are used, with a bold, rustic red wine in this case. The rooster is cut into pieces and combined with its blood, onions, carrots, garlic, thyme, bay leaves, parsley and mushrooms. Then the dish is slowly cooked until the meat begins to change color. One of the earliest recipes for coq au vin is a recipe from Mathurin Jacques Brisson, a.k.a.,the natural philosopher and zoologist who accidentally came across this dish back in 1913 and after testing it out, confirmed its deliciousness. Julia Child, who was already famous in American kitchens thanks to her TV show then popularized this dish with English-speakers around the world. For a simple dish while cooking, drunken chicken is often served alongside steamed or boiled parsley potatoes or buttered noodles. Coq au vin goes well with Pouilly-Fuisse Wines.

3. Beef bourguignon

Beef bourguignon is a rich and complex French stew recipe. The star of the dish is a robust red Burgundy wine, which comes with plenty of tenderizing and flavoring benefits. It's used to soften and tenderize tough cuts of Charolais beef, often with savory additions like garlic, onions and thyme. Potatoes, carrots, mushrooms and other ingredients might be added too before it's all cooked down.

The ingredients are simmered for a long time, until the meat becomes completely tender and succulent, and all the juices blend into a rich sauce. Some say that it tastes even better after being refrigerated for 24 hours, only to be re-heated just before serving.

Beef bourguignon dates to the Middle Ages when cooks needed to soften tougher cuts of meat for eating. Today you can pair beef bourguignon with a full-bodied red Burgundy wine. Beef bourguignon is perfect much with Pouilly-Fuisse Wines.

Places to visit near Pouilly-Fuissé

1. Abbey Church

The Abbey Church was built in the 12th century and has been in perfect condition since it opened. You can explore medieval art inside. The church is easily recognizable due to its simple Romanesque Burgundy architecture. This design ensures that you can focus on the service and worship without being distracted by decoration.

2. Cathédrale Saint-Etienne

The Cathédrale Saint-Etienne has a nice Gothic interior with some of the most beautiful stained-glass windows in France. The treasure trove inside holds expensive relics decorated with Limoges enamel.

3. Musée de l'Avallonnais

The Musée de l'Avallonnais art gallery, located in the Burgundy region of France, displays a small collection of art and has occasional temporary exhibitions. The museum also displays an ethnography collection devoted to the Yao Mien and Mun people of China, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand; this collection comprises Yao costumes, textiles, and jewelry as well as information on Yao culture and heritage.

Frequently asked questions about Pouilly-Fuissé Wine Region