Mâcon-Fuissé AOP 2020

Domaine de Pouilly, located in Solutré-Pouilly at the heart of the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation in southern Burgundy, encompasses approximately 20 hectares over many plots. Managed by brothers Vincent and Pierre-Antoine Besson, the Domaine’s history spans a legacy of five generations of winemaking, starting with their Grandfather Pétrus in 1933. Vincent did his first solo vintage in 1999 before being joined by his brother, marking a new chapter in the Domaine’s history.

Many of the vineyards are at least 50 years old, including some of the very oldest in Pouilly, but also covering the neighbouring appellations of Macon, Saint Veran, and Beaujolais. Most are a terroir of clay-limestone, and the brothers are exponents of sustainability and minimum intervention.

Their impressive ancestral cellars are exactly how you imagine a Burgundy cellar to be, with refinement taking part in a variety of different oak barrels and vats, depending on the vintage, appellation and terroir. Vincent and Pierre-Antoine personally oversee every aspect of production, from vine care to marketing, ensuring their wines reflect their artisanal craftsmanship and deep-rooted expertise. The wines are consistently rich, complex, and opulent, underpinned by a freshness and drinkability that reflect the unique terroir, microclimate, and vinification methods of each vineyard. Given their quality, the wines consistently over-deliver considering their price, especially when compared to their cousins a bit further north on the Côte d’Or.

Domaine de Pouilly Mâcon-Fuissé AOP 2020 
Grapes: 100% Chardonnay
ABV: 13% 

Vineyards:
The Mâcon-Fuissé 2020 AOP comes from vineyards in one of the Pouilly-Fuissé satellites, located southwest of the town of Mâcon, within Burgundy’s famed Mâconnais region. The terroir here benefits from clay-limestone soils and a favourable climate, which imparts both freshness and concentration to the Chardonnay grapes.

Winemaking:
The wine is vinified using traditional Burgundy techniques, with fermentation in a mix of stainless steel and oak barrels to preserve the wine's fruit-forward character while adding a touch of complexity. Lees aging is employed to enrich the texture and add subtle layers of flavour.

Appearance:
Delicate golden colour with flecks of green, clear and bright.

Nose:
Fresh and expressive, with notes of green apple and subtle hints of butter in the background, typical of fine Chardonnay from this region.

Palate:
On the palate, this wine showcases a delightful balance between richness and freshness. Baked apple and hints of spice lead the way, with underlying flavours of honey and a gentle buttery texture adding to its complexity. The vibrant acidity provides a refreshing contrast to the wine's fuller body, ensuring a long and well-rounded finish. The minerality from the terroir shines through, giving the wine finesse and elegance.

Food Pairing:
This Mâcon-Fuissé pairs beautifully with fish, chicken, and terrines. Its richness and freshness make it an ideal match for dishes that feature a creamy or buttery sauce.

Serving Suggestions:
Best served between 10-12ºC to fully appreciate the balance of fruit, spice, and subtle oak nuances.