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Pouilly-Fuissé is a wine appellation located in Burgundy, a world-renowned wine region in east-central France. The Burgundy region boasts eighty-four appellations with the French AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) label, including Pouilly-Fuissé, which obtained it in 1936. Pouilly-Fuissé belongs more precisely to the Mâcon vineyards. It’s thanks to the production of high-quality white wine that the vineyard has been able to assert its prestige.
Pouilly-Fuissé was established in 1936.
Even today, the historical background to this name remains rather vague. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that 20,000 years ago, one of the most advanced cultures of prehistoric times flourished on the land that is now home to Pouilly-Fuissé. The Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée for the villages of Solutré-Pouilly, Fuissé, Vergisson and Chaintré was established in 1936. Like many Burgundy appellations, Pouilly-Fuissé is distinguished by its parcel-based approach and its exceptional 1er Cru climates. These climats include : Les Vignes Blanches, Les Ménétrières, Le Clos, Les Perrières and Vers Chânes in the commune of Fuissé; La Frérie, En Servy, Le Clos, En Montgarcin, Les Chailloux, Les Bouthières and Les Morlays in the commune of Solutré-Pouilly; La Maréchaude, Les Crays, Sur la Roche, En France and Les Courtelongs in the commune of Vergisson; and Le Clos Reyssié, Les Chevrières, Les Plessys and Le Clos de Monsieur Noly in the commune of Chaintré.
Pouilly-Fuissé benefits from ideal production conditions
ThePouilly-Fuissé appellation is not geographically isolated. In fact, it lies close to other appellations such as Pouilly-Vinzelles, Pouilly-Loché and Saint-Véran. In terms of surface area, the vineyard covers a total of 757.20 hectares with an average yield of 50 to 70 hl/ha. The vineyard lies at an altitude of between 225 and 350 metres. The climate in this geographical area is temperate oceanic with continental trends. In fact, the seasons are rather dry thanks to good exposure to the sun and moderate rainfall (841mm/year). The average annual temperature is 10.9°C. In addition, cultivated land is found on the fairly steep, east- and southeast-facing slopes, but also at the foot of the vineyards. The soilare composed mainly of clay and limestone and limestone dating back 150 to 180 million years.
However, this trend varies from plot to plot. The soils are relatively varied, with alternating clay and limestone soils composed of crystalline, schist and sandstone elements. This great mix means that the soil is highly absorbent, which provides excellent drainage, invaluable for quality production.
Pouilly-Fuissé produces wines from a single grape variety with delicate aromas.
Pouilly-Fuissé is produced exclusively from the Chardonnay B grape variety. The appellation’s wines are distinguished by their limpid, brilliant color, which ranges from pale gold with delicate gray highlights to pastel yellow. These wines emanate different families of aromas. Indeed, the wines display mineral notes, but also citrus notes such as lemon, grapefruit or pineapple. There are also sweeter notes with aromas of white fruits (like peach) and honey. Secondary aromas, known as “fermentative”, are also noteworthy: delicious aromas of breadcrumbs and buttery brioche. Finally, the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation opens with fragrant yet delicate aromas of hazelnut, almond, fern and lime blossom. On the palate, the structure is full-bodied, with a good natural alcohol content. The palate fully appreciates the finesse and distinction of Pouilly-Fuissé, which ends on a very interesting note of bitterness. The appellation’s ageing potential varies between five and ten years, although it can sometimes exceed ten years depending on the quality of vinification and the vintage.
Pouilly-Fuissé brings out the best in seafood products
Pouilly-Fuissé is a dry, still wine: it is not sparkling. It will undoubtedly enhance poached fish such as turbot. Noble seafood (gambas, lobster, etc.) will also be exquisite accompanied by a glass of Pouilly-Fuissé. Pouilly-Fuissé also goes well with white meats such as veal or poultry in cream sauce. Of course, pairing Pouilly-Fuissé with different kinds of goat’s cheese is always a good idea. This wine is best enjoyed at a temperature of 12°C.
Growing Pouilly-Fuissé estates
Pascal Renaud Estate
Pascal Renaud is part of a an ancient winegrowing family from Pouilly-Fuissé. In 1986, he decided to take over the family business in Pouilly-Fuissé, which covers a total area of 5 hectares. At the time, the farm belonged to the Delacour/Balladur family, but Pascal Renaud and his wife Mireille bought it in 1998. Over the years, the couple sought to expand the estate, eventually acquiring additional plots in appellations such as Mâcon Solutré and Saint-Véran. In 2008, their son Guillaume decided to join the family business, contributing an additional 3 hectares of Pouilly-Fuissé and 0.40 hectares of Mâcon Solutré. All our plots are managed using integrated farming methods, without the use of insecticides.
Domaine Olivier Merlin
In 1987, Olivier Merlin and his wife Corinne decided to take over the Vieux Saint-Sorlin estate in La Roche-Vineuse and give it their name. Together, they succeeded in gradually enlarging the estate to a total of 10 hectares, covering numerous appellations such as Pouilly-Fuissé, Saint-Véran and Viré-Clessé. Even if they haven’t yet obtained certification, Olivier and Corinne make it a point of honor to work in the vineyards according to organic farming principles as much as possible. For example, horse-drawn ploughing and fallowing are used on certain plots.
