Pouilly-Fuissé

Pouilly-Fuissé is one of the most famous places in Burgundy where Chardonnay shines. This small yet renowned area in the Mâconnais has been known for decades for elegant wines with a fresh style and refined structure. For Burgundy lovers, Pouilly-Fuissé is always a name that sparks curiosity.

What is Pouilly-Fuissé?

Pouilly-Fuissé is an appellation in southern Burgundy, in the Mâconnais region. Here it’s all about Chardonnay. No blends, no distractions, just pure Chardonnay drawing its strength from limestone soils and rolling hillsides. The wines are known for their fresh style, often with ripe fruit notes, a hint of minerality, and sometimes a touch of oak.

The history of Pouilly-Fuissé

The history of Pouilly-Fuissé goes way back. Vines were already planted here in Roman times. Later, it was the monasteries that expanded and refined the winemaking. In 1936, Pouilly-Fuissé officially received AOC status, making it one of the first appellations in France. That gave the region both protection and international recognition. Since then, its reputation has only grown stronger.

Location and terroir

Pouilly-Fuissé is centered around four villages: Fuissé, Solutré-Pouilly, Vergisson, and Chaintré. The landscape is dramatic, with the limestone rock of Solutré rising above the vineyards as a landmark. The soil is mostly clay and limestone, perfect for Chardonnay. The hillside vineyards provide good sun exposure and ventilation, allowing grapes to ripen fully while keeping their freshness. The microclimate means the wines are often fuller than those from northern Burgundy, but always balanced with finesse.

Regulations and classification

All Pouilly-Fuissé is white and made from 100% Chardonnay. Since 2020, the appellation has also recognized Premier Cru vineyards. That’s significant, as the area had no Premier Cru status before then. Today there are 22 vineyards officially classified as Premier Cru, based on their location, soils, and reputation. Producers may only use the label if their wine truly comes from one of these recognized plots.

How is Pouilly-Fuissé made?

The grapes are usually harvested by hand, often in September. After harvest, they are gently pressed and fermented. Many producers use oak barrels, sometimes for fermentation, sometimes just for aging. The use of oak varies—some keep it subtle, others more pronounced—depending on the winemaker’s style. What all these wines share is a balance of freshness and structure. The best cuvées can age beautifully for years, developing more depth and complexity over time.

Fun facts about Pouilly-Fuissé

- The rock of Solutré was once a prehistoric hunting ground. Archaeologists found thousands of horse and animal bones there.
- Unlike Pouilly-Fumé from the Loire, this is not Sauvignon Blanc, but always Chardonnay.
- The area is relatively small: about 750 hectares, split among many small producers.
- Styles range from crisp and mineral to rich and buttery, depending on vineyard site and winemaking approach.

Order Pouilly-Fuissé online?

At Grandcruwijnen you’ll find a wide selection of Pouilly-Fuissé. All wines are stored in our conditioned Wine Warehouse, keeping them in perfect shape. Order online and choose pickup in Dordrecht for an instant discount, which you’ll see right away when selecting ‘Pickup’ during checkout.