Wine Facts Online: Kinds of Wine: Wine By Region: Europe: France: Burgundy: Maconnais Pouilly-Fuissé St-Véran Viré-Clessé In our coverage of Chardonnay in Burgundy, there is one final outpost. In the far south of the Burgundy region, practically on the southern border, lie the Mâconnais villages. The most prosaic of them produce wine that is uninteresting, but the most well-known--Pouilly-Fuissé--makes a style of wine that is inimitable to those who love its rich oakiness and firm structure. The magic of Pouilly has spread to neighboring villages, such as St-Véran, which is rapidly growing in prowess. The region itself is called the Mâconnais, and takes its name from the town of Mâcon. Mâcon, which has a long non-wine history in which it established itself as one of Burgundy's most important places, is an important wine region in and of itself. It is here that almost the only reds are produced, but due to the unfavorable climate of the Pinot Noir grape, they are rarely promising and thus are almost never exported outside of France.

Comparison to the Côte de Beaune's top wines is difficult, but on the lower levels, Pouilly-Fuissé makes wine so much less expensive and with the potential to be equal or better that it is now the primary white Burgundy appellation for people of more modest means. If you have $400, of course a Montrachet is the best, but not everyone wants to spend that much, and Pouilly-Fuissé offers something that everyone loves--great Burgundy at a (comparatively) good price. History The Mâconnais appellation takes its name from the town of Mâcon. The ancient bishopric of Mâcon, also known as the ancient diocese of Mâcon, was located in the village and shaped much of its early history since its inception in the 530s. The bishops were so powerful that they were allowed to rule the village until the year 850. Life in the village became bloody as authorities fought over who should rule it and whether it should be a part of the Burgundy appellation.

Meanwhile, wine was a common export that had been introduced early on by the Romans, but food crops took precedence and the village of Pouilly-Fuissé wasn't particularly known. The story got ugly after the French Revolution, when a battle between bishops and peasants ended badly for the poor. Eventually, the diocese was broken up and lost almost all of its power. Only in recent times has the capacity of Pouilly-Fuissé been recognized. In a time when the market is shifting towards more inexpensive wines from less reputed appellations, the Mâconnais continues to grow in importance. Climate and Viticulture It is important to remember that there are no limestone escarpments in Mâconnais; no Côtes, as a matter of fact, and this makes the wine style a lot different than in the Côte de Beaune. Also, it is very far south, meaning the weather is too hot for Pinot Noir, and this makes Chardonnay the main grape of the villages. The soil of the Mâconnais villages is made up of alkaline, iron-rich clay. The powerful minerals in this clay keep the wine fresh and crisp, and the clay itself brings out great flavor in the Chardonnay.

Most producers oak their wine to bring out the rich, honeyed side of the yellow fruit, which mingles with more generic notes of oak spice and vanilla, along with an underlying potency of minerals. Grape Varieties Except for the quaffing reds of the basic Mâcon appellation, which are rarely exported to the USA, it's pretty much all Chardonnay here. Since the appellations are generally large and diverse in terroir, the Chard varies in style, from rich and buttery to fresh, crisp, and minerally. But what all the wines seem to share is a smoky, hazy element that makes the exotic flavors of peach, pineapple, and other yellow fruits more perfumed and vibrant. As a result, the best wines of this appellation are known for being "heady": so aromatic they almost could outdo their Côte d'Or cousins just on the strength of their aroma. Of course, to the trained palate there's less underlying complexity of flavor, but the difference in price here is so significant as to make up for these slight differences. Major Producers As a result of high production here, it is crucial to select a good producer.

These vary as you go from town to town, but some domaines seem to have consistent success, such as Bret Brothers, Château de Beauregard, Daniel et Martine Barraud, Domaine Guffens-Heynen, any of the Saumaize producers, Jean Rijckaert, and Verget. Subregions The Mâconnais has a pretty all-encompassing appellation system, consisting of seven AOCs for wine of both colors. More esoteric styles will have to be labeled under generic Bourgogne appellations. Here is a list of the seven Mâconnais appellations, with links to the three for which we have separate pages. Mâcon: This appellation is the basic appellation and rarely makes serious styles, as most of the better wines are funneled into Mâcon-Villages appellations. Generally reds here. Mâcon-Villages: This AOC is only for white wine, and contains some of the better Chardonnays that are not produced in a desirable village. They are allowed to list their village name; some of these distinctions have gained a reputation, such as Charnay, Prissé, and La Roche Vineuse.

The common Mâconnais producers are also common here; prices are almost always low, often under $20. Pouilly-Fuissé : Since this village's inception, it has produced good Chardonnay, but only recently has the wine really caught on. Now, Pouilly is in high demand and a number of the surrounding villages are trying to imitate its success. Since there are no Premiers Crus in the Mâconnais, everything is based on lieux-dits, a few of which have attained a Premier Cru-like reputation. There are 1,871 acres here which produce over 400,000 cases of wine, the most of any village in Burgundy. The best of these wines are classic oaked Chardonnay—rich, exotic and honeyed, and fervently smoky and spicy. Pouilly-Loche: Pouilly-Loche is a tiny offshoot or satellite of Pouilly-Fuissé. There are only 80 acres, and much of the wine never makes it out of France. Good producers, however, can make a baby Pouilly-Fuissé for less money.

Pouilly-Vinzelles: A more promising satellite than Pouilly-Loche, even though at 120 acres it produces only a few thousand more cases each year. St-Véran : This appellation takes on the name of the village of St-Vérand. So far south it was once a part of Beaujolais, this village was incorporated into the Burgundian list of appellations in 1971. There are 1,590 acres of vineyard land, since other villages are also used, making almost as much wine as the great Pouilly itself. The wines are crisp and fresh, rarely in the rich oaked style of Pouilly. As a result, they are gaining respect for making a distinct style. Viré-Clessé : The villages of Mâcon-Viré and Mâcon-Clessé were separated from Mâcon-Villages in 1999. This new but promising AOC encompasses 965 acres of vineyard land, and makes around half as much wine as Pouilly-Fuissé.

The wines are fresh but sometimes a tad lean; so far, this vineyard has not carved out its own niche yet, but it is rapidly improving. Copyright 2009. French wines and wine regions of France South-west Alsace Situated on the lower eastern slopes of the Vosges mountains, in the Rhine valley between Strasbourg and Mulhouse, the Alsace vineyard is rather different from any other French wine growing area. Like the region of Alsace itself, the wine culture here is steeped in a Germanic tradition, producing mostly dry or fruity white wines, the most popular being Riesling, Sylvaner and the very fruity Gewurztraminer. The rules of Appellation contrôlée - and more recently of Appellation Protégée (AOP) are not applied in the same way in Alsace as in the rest of France. In Alsace, wines are produced under a simple "Alsace" appellation, after which the next most important element to be indicated, and the most visible word on the label, is the grape variety or "cépage", Sylvaner, Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Edelzwicker, Pinot or a few others.

Smaller areas do not have their own appellations, though with many Alsace wines, the name of the village or vineyard from which it comes will also be indicated. See also Vendanges tardives. Lorraine, also in north east France, produces mostly Vin de pays white wines, in the Meuse and the Moselle. Price list outside a top-class wine merchant in the Bordeaux region. Note the price of a bottle of Petrus 1982.... at 6720 €. Not for ordinary mortals. Bordeaux Wine, and wine growing region. With Burgundy and Champagne, the Bordeaux region of Aquitaine is one of the three most famous French wine-producing regions. Historically, its fame is at least in part due to the fact that of these three big grape-growing areas, the Bordeaux vineyard is the only one with immediate access to the sea, an advantage that has enabled it to be France's major wine exporting region for many centuries. In 1152, when queen Eleanor of Aquitaine married the English king Henry II, the Aquitaine region became economically integrated into the Anglo-Norman world, the Bordeaux region becoming the main supplier of wine for England.

This historic wine exporting tradition helped Bordeaux to develop far stronger commercial links in the ensuing centuries, firmly establishing Bordeaux wines, often referred to generically in English as "clarets", on the international market. The Bordeaux vineyard is centered round the port city of Bordeaux , along the estuary of the Gironde, and the rivers Garonne and Dordogne. It is a large vineyard, and the geo-specific appellation "Bordeaux" covers an area stretching some 100 km both north-south and east-west. While the appellation contrôlée covers wines of medium quality from all over this region, many if not most of the top quality clarets grown in the overall area benefit from more specific and distinctive area appellations, such as Médoc , Graves or Saint Emilion, and even more local appellations such as Pauillac, Graves and Saint-Estèphe. Unlike other French wine-growing areas, the Bordeaux area operates classifications of many of its top wines, notably those from the Médoc and Saint Emilion vineyards. The best estates in these areas have the right to sell wines designated as grand cru. Below the grand crus come other high quality wines designated as cru bourgeois.

Tip: 2009 is said to be an exceptionally good vintage year. Médoc Among the Bordeaux vineyards, Médoc deserves a special mention. The Médoc, an area south of the Gironde estuary to the north west of Bordeaux, is the home of many of the most prestigious French wines. Among the famous appellations produced in this area are Saint Estèphe, Margaux, Saint Julien and Pauillac. It was in 1855 that the wine producers of the Medoc region classified their 61 best wines according to a league table of "grands crus", ranking from "Premier Cru" to "Cinquième Cru". These grands crus are generally reputed to be the greatest of all French wines, and naturally their prices generally reflect this status. Obviously, if you buy an estate bottled wine from a chateau with grand cru status, (and of course they are all estate bottled), you can be pretty sure of getting a top quality wine. But take care! Even a grand cru wine can go off if it is not matured and cared for in the best conditions.

Other areas of south- west France Inland and southwards from the Bordeaux / Saint Emilion regions, there are a number of less well-known wine growing areas, many of them producing quite good wines at very reasonable prices. These include Bergerac, Cahors, Gaillac and Marcillac (all Appellation Contrôlée wines) , or Côtes du Tarn or Vin de Pays du Lot. While Marcillac is a small area, the vineyards of Cahors, Gaillac and Bergerac are quite extensive, and best known for their reds. The Cahors area produces some of the richest and darkest red wines in France, principally using the Malbec grape variety, sometimes referred to as "purple wine". However the Bergerac wine producing area is also known for its white wines, including some strong sweet aperitif wines such as Montbazillac Towards the Pyrenees, there are some surprisingly good white wines from the vineyards of Jurançon and Béarn, notably Pacherenc-du-Vic-Bilh, reputed for its distinctive aperitif wines. Close by, the vineyards of Madiran produce a well-known red.

Bourgogne (Burgundy) The vineyards of the Burgundy region cover a narrow strip of land on the eastern slopes of the hills running south-east from the Burgundian Capital, Dijon. the heart of the Burgundy wine growing region is the historic city of Beaune, where the autumn wine sale in the historic "Hospices" building is one of the high points of the wine year. Burgundy wines are classified on four levels, the lowest being the generic "Bourgogne" appellation. Selected areas of the Burgundy vineyard have their own classifications, such as Côtes de Beaune. Within these, there are smaller areas, villages and groups of villages, reputed to produce higher quality wine, such as Mersault, Pernand Vergelesse or Aloxe Corton . Finally, at the top of the pyramid, there are the "grands crus", such as Clos Vougeot, with its mere 51 hectares of vineyard. Finding ones way around Burgundy wines is sometimes a daunting task. The best Burgundy wines are the reds, the best of which can keep for a good 20 to 30 years.

However, Burgundy also produces some top quality, though not too distinctive, whites. It is often said that generic burgundies "Bourgogne Rouge" or Bourgogne Passetoutgrains" white are overpriced and not particularly good value for money. A good tip: 2003 is said to be one of the best vintages for many years. Visit: Check out hotels on the Burgundy wine trail ►Beaujolais: In the south of the Burgundy region, bordering the Rhone valley vineyards, a large area round Beaujeu produces a light red wine known as Beaujolais, paradoxically one of the most famous French wines. This is a wine that does not usually keep for very many years, and over the last fifty years it has been successfully marketed as a "vin primeur", or young wine, to be drunk after just a few weeks of maturing. But the success of Beaujolais Nouveau - launched on the market each year on the third Thursday of November - has more to do with clever marketing than with any real quality of the wine.

Champagne The Champagne region , centered on the towns of Reims (Rheims) and Epernay, is the most northern of France's major vineyards. Unlike most of the best French wines, champagnes are blended in order to produce either non vintage champagnes (blended from different years) or vintage champagne, blended from wines of the same harvest. Consequently, since the quality of the champagne ultimately depends on a balance between the quality of the grapes and the skill of the blenders, Champagnes are also ranked and promoted by producer, not by any more finely delimited appellation . Possibly the most highly rated of blends is Krug; other well appreciated brands include Mumm, Bollinger and Heidsieck, not to mention the very well known brands of Moët & Chandon and Taittinger. The distinct taste and purity of real champagne is certainly due to the chalky soil and the continental growing conditions that abound in the Champagne region. Several of the main French Champagne producers have set up branches and vineyards in California, but in spite of bringing over their best master-blenders, have never been able to achieve quite the same result.

Although many people imagine that Champagnes are all white, this is not quite true. Rosé champagnes also exist. Note: Champagne is not a generic term for sparkling wine from France. There are plenty more good sparkling wines from France that are not sold as champagne. While it is true to say that the top champagnes are inimitable, it is far from true to imagine that you have to buy a real champagne if you want a good French sparkling wine. Some other excellent sparkling wines are produced in Burgundy (Crémant de Bourgogne), the Jura (Crémant du Jura) and the Loire valley (Vouvray and others) and other areas, using the same techniques (formerly called "méthode champenoise" - an expression now banned from use in other regions) and a similar but not identical mix of grape varieties, notably Chardonnay. Only the most experienced connaisseurs can distinguish a middling Champagne from a good crémant or Vouvray... yet non-Champagne sparkling wines sell at a fraction of the price of equivalent quality wines from Champagne. Finally, please, the correct way to open a champagne cork is to ease it very gently out of the bottle.

It is not to imitate a victorious Formula One racing driver and spray the contents of the bottle all over one's guests. Visit: Check out hotels on the Champagne wine trail Loire Valley Although there are some excellent wines produced in the large Loire Valley area, there are few Loire wines, whites, rosés or pale reds, that rank among the greatest French wines. "Anjou Rosé" is a good everyday rosé, and "Muscadet" and "Gros Plant" from near the mouth of the Loire are dry white wines that go excellently with seafood.. Another good appellation is "Pouilly Fumé" (not to be confused with "Pouilly Fuissé", a white Burgundy). The Loire valley, however, is also France's second largest producer of sparkling wines, after Champagne. The region also produces vin gris, "grey wine", which is actually a very pale rosé, being a white wine made from black grapes. Two of the more prestigious varieties are Vouvray and Saumur. While there are plenty of Loire wines that benefit from appellations controlées, others are sold under the VDQS label.

Cognac: / Charentes: The Cognac / Charentes region is a major wine area, though normal wine itself is not the main product of the region; the wine produced is mostly used for distilling into Cognac or other spirits, or else for the production of a delicious apéritif wine known as Pineau des Charentes. Some white wine is produced under the Vin de Pays label, and there are some vineyards that produce rosé or even red wines. Jura. Possibly the most underrated of French white wines, Jura wines come from the south of the Franche-Comté region , the west-facing slopes of the Jura hills that look out across the wide Saône valley to the slopes of Burgundy on the other side. The best and most distinctive of Jura whites are made from the "Savagnin" grape variety, which is found only in this region, and gives the wine a delicious sherry-like taste. However, most Jura wines are blended from different varieties, and as in Alsace, the grape variety tends to be indicated on the label.

the Jura vineyard also produces dark rosé wines, sometimes called reds, as well as the famous "yellow wine", Vin Jaune, an expensive apéritif wine not unlike Amontillado sherry, made exclusively from the Savagnin grape variety. The most prestigious appellation for Vin Jaune is Château Chalon. This wine is made from late harvested grapes, and then left to mature in casks for at least six years. Côtes du Rhone Côtes du Rhône is one of those French wines that has become famous on account more as a result of the extent of the vineyard than of the quality of the wine. The Côtes du Rhône vineyard runs for over 200 kilometres down the Rhone valley from the south of Lyons to the Camargue . Within the region, there are a number of prestigious smaller areas such as Côte Rotie (in the northern part of the region), Hermitage or Chateauneuf du Pape and Gigondas (near Avignon). The southern end of the Côtes du Rhône appellation area isa ctually in Provence.

The vast majority of Côtes du Rhône wine is sold under the generic appellations, "Côtes du Rhône" or "Côtes du Rhone Villages". Côtes du Rhone wines are mediterranean wines, and generally speaking they are blended from the different classic grape varieties of the South of France, including most notably Viognier, Syrah, and Grenache. Price-wise, generic Côtes du Rhône wines are often at the cheaper end of the "appellation contrôlée" range. Provence Provence is a large wine-producing area, best-known for its rosé wines, the most famous of which are Côtes de Provence and Côteaux d'Aix. However, the Provence vineyard also produces red wines, including some very rich red wines from the Var, and "grey wine" from the Camargue area. The most famous of the area's white wines is Bandol, celebrated since the middle ages. Note that the Provence vineyard also includes the southern end of the Côtes du Rhone AOC area.

Languedoc The Languedoc region , covering the Mediterranean coastal plain west of the Rhone, produces a lot of fairly ordinary red wine, much of it marketed as VDQS or Vin de Pays. Languedoc is the largest French wine producing area in terms of volume. There are seven Appellations controlées in the area, the best-known of which is Corbières, and possibly the best average quality of which is Fitou. AOC wines account for some 10% of the region's production, but the proportion is increasing as Languedoc producers concentrate more on quality, rather than quantity, and strive to reposition their wines higher up the market. Thanks to the long hours of summer sun, grapes ripen well and quickly in this region, which means that Languedoc wines are rich and full bodied, and often have high alcohol content. The wines of Roussillon are very similar, this area being particularly noted for its fortified wines such as Banyuls. Rather different from the rest are the sparkling wines produced in Limoux, near Carcassonne.

"Blanquette de Limoux" is reputedly the oldest sparkling wine in France; and according to the story, it was a Benedictine monk, Dom Pérignon, who introduced the Limoux method of producing good sparkling wine, to the monks in Champagne who were looking for ways to improve the quality of their rather nondescript dry white wines. Regarding Dom Pérignon, the myth is almost certainly untrue; but it is well documented that Limoux was already producing sparkling wines in the 1540s, half a century before the technique took hold in Champagne. Copyright About-France.com © 2003 - 2017 ABOUTFRA There are ten major wine growing regions in France, plus a number of smaller areas. Indeed there is commercial wine production in every region of France, except for the regions bordering on France's north coast. French wine in a world market For hundreds of years, France basked in the reputation of being the world's greatest producer of wines. Today, that reputation is being rivalled by other wine-growing nations on four continents, and the French wine industry is facing new challenges.

Since the low of 2003, the French wine industry has been trying to reinvent itself, producing new wines for a changing world and European market, while continuing to provide the world's greatest wines, produced on estates with perfect conditions and centuries of winegrowing tradition. For those who know how to choose, and know something about wines, France still offers some of the greatest wines, with the greatest variety, and - yes ! - excellent value for money, even from the main wine areas. Top quality wines on sale in the village of Pommard, Burgundy Chateau de Montbazillac, near Bergerac ►► Site guide Louis Latour Pouilly-Fuisse, Burgundy, France, 2010.Jacksonville Wine Guide | Jacksonville Wine Guide Facts It wasn’t that long ago that Pouilly-Fuisse [poo-yee fwee-SAY] had developed a fairly bad reputation among wine drinkers. Overuse of fertilizers and herbicides in the vineyards resulted in huge crops. These grapes were in turn picked from the vine too early, by the vineyards who were scared about achieving the perfect ripeness levels. The result wasn’t good!

Thin, watery, overly acidic wines that due to the Pouilly-Fuissé, name weren’t cheap either! You’ll be relieved to know (if you care) that a brand new generation of growers has started to respect the land and the grapes a little. Not to say that these types of shenanigans aren’t still taking place, but competition from New World wines has probably made the French think a little more about what they’re sticking in the bottle! I’ve always thought that Pouilly Fuisse has a little-bit of an image problem. It’s one of those wines that will always do well in restaurants. Look at that label above, it looks fancy, right? However; if you were to ask most people (“everyday-drinkers”) the grape in Pouilly-Fuisse, I’d put money on 99% not being able to tell you that it’s Chardonnay. The Louis Latour is without question the market leader for Pouilly Fuisse, but they’ve had a good head-start, with their winemaking dating back to the 17th century.

The house produces wines throughout the Burgundy region, ranging from $10 retail up to their well-cellared vintage wines reaching to 4-digits. Place (click for larger image) Pouilly and Fuisse are actually two separate villages located in the Southern Maconnais region of Burgundy in France (they’re pretty hard to find once you click into the map, but I promise you they’re there!). It wasn’t until I started studying for the Certified Sommelier exam that I realized how much of a nightmare Burgundy is to understand! The basics aren’t that bad, there’s really only two grown grapes in the region: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Cote D’Or (North) produces primarily red, and the Cote de Beaune (South) produces mainly white. But then you start getting into individual villages, 600+ Premier Cru’s, and 33 Grand Cru’s, and all of a sudden you start to develop a headache as you think about the Master Sommeliers that have to remember it all!

If you’ve read any of my previous posts on European wines (and if not, why not!?!), you’ll know how I’ve talked about one of the greatest confusions being between understanding the grape(s) a wine is made from, and the region it comes from. The main thing to remember is that if it’s white and it comes from Burgundy, there’s about a 99% chance it’s Chardonnay. Now, there’s always a few exceptions to these rules (winemakers are hard to tame, particularly French winemakers); there are some plantings of a white grape known as Aligote, however it’s nowhere near as prevalent as Chardonnay. Whites account for 60% of the wine production coming out of Burgundy. Just when you think you’ve got Pouilly Fuisse all figured out, I come along and start telling you about Pouilly Fume! It’s easy to see how the two get confused; however, Pouilly Fume is made from Sauvignon Blanc, comes from the Loire Valley region of France, and is a completely different wine.

If you are going to take anything with you from this post, it’s that Pouilly-Fuisse is ALWAYS Chardonnay, Pouilly Fume is ALWAYS Sauvignon Blanc. The soil in the region of Burgundy is made up primarily of limestone and clay, which is believed to contribute to a rich mineral taste in the wine. Taste Great fragrant nose, floral tones with subtle lemon zest, butter, kiwi, crisp green apple and rich juicy pear. Round and creamy texture in the mouth. Bracing acidity and minerality, balances well with the fruit. A touch of tropical fruit comes through once the wine breathes and warms up. Impressive-persistent finish that will stay with you: kind of like that Lady Gaga song I heard on the radio this morning….I just can’t get it out of my head!!! Pairing Why do you always need food? When it comes to pairing though, Pouilly-Fuisse has a relatively heavy mouthfeel, and more of a buttery texture which allows it to be matched with everything from poultry to seafood. Also think about creamy soups, bass, trout, halibut, swordfish, pork, sushi, or simply to be enjoyed as an aperitif.

Information on French Wine: Bordeaux, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Chablis and more Store French Wine Here you can discover information on French wine such as Bordeaux wine, Beaujolais, Burgundy wine, Chablis, Sauternes and Champagne. Keep reading to learn about the different types of wine from France, understanding wine labels, the main wine regions, wine tours in France, and French wine gifts. Wine has been an important part of French culture since at least 500 BC, due to the presence of indigenous vines and a climate well-suited to wine production. Understanding the Wine Labels In France, the grape variety is usually not included on the wine label. Instead, the label will usually indicate the name of the wine bottler, the region or vineyard where the wine was produced, and the French quality classification. Check out this article to learn how to understand a French wine label and their wine classification system to better understand how to select French wine based on the information on the label. Wine Regions & Types of French Wine There are ten main wine-making regions in France, each with their own characteristic wines.

The different types of wine are usually labeled by the region they are from: Alsace & Lorraine This region is on the east side of France around Strasbourg, close to Germany. It is home to some of the world’s best white wines, with as much Germanic as French influence. Unlike in other French wine regions, the wines produced in Alsace usually include the grape variety on the label. You can find some excellent Gewürztraminers, Rieslings, and Pinot Gris. Bordeaux Famous mostly for full-bodied red wines, Bordeaux is on the southwest coast of France. Red Bordeaux wines are made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. There are also white Bordeaux wines which are combinations of Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle. Apart from excellent reds, Bordeaux produces some fine Sauternes, sweet white wines often drunk as a dessert wine in France. Burgundy Some of the best wines in the world are produced in this region between Lyon and Dijon in the eastern side of the country.

The grapes grown in Burgundy include red (Pinot Noir, Gamay and César) as well as white (Chardonnay, Aligoté, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris). Some of the well-known types of wine from Burgundy include Chablis (a white wine made from Chardonnay grapes), Beaujolais (the young red wine from Gamay grapes), Pouilly-Fuissé (Chardonnay), and Volnay (Pinot Noir). Champagne This region just to the east of Paris in northern France is well-known for the Champagne sparkling wine, the most famous of which is named after the abbot who is widely credited with invented Champagne wine, Dom Pérignon. Still white and red wines are also made in Champagne, but most are not as good as still French wines from other regions. Jura & Savoie This region is just east of Burgundy, toward Lake Geneva and close to the mountains. Wines from Jura include nice Pinot Noirs, as well as Trousseau and Poulsard grape varieties, and dry white wines made with Chardonnay and Savagnin grapes.

Savoie wines are often enjoyed at the nearby ski resorts, and include light, fruity reds, rosés and whites. Languedoc-Roussilon This large area is along the coast in the southernmost portions of France and includes a variety of climates and soils. As a result, there are several different varieties of grapes grown in Languedoc-Roussilon and a broad range in types of wine as well as in the quality of win. Red wine grape varieties include Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cinsault, Syrah, Carignan and Mouvèdre. White wines are made from Chardonnay, Clairette, Ugni Blanc, Grenache Blanc, Muscat, Sauvignon and Viognier. Loire Valley This region along the Loire River, southwest of Paris, the Loire Valley is well known for excellent, refreshing white and rosé wines. The grapes grown in this region include Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc, highlighted in nice wines from Vouvray, Sancerre, and Pouilly Fumé.

Provence & Corsica Provence is a warm, sunny region just east of Languedoc-Roussilon along the southeastern French coast, encompassing the towns of Marseille and Toulon. From Provence, you will find rosé wines that are generally not great... but also very nice red wines. Corsica is an island off the southern coast of France with a strong Italian influence that is also reflected in the region's wines. Rhône Valley This wine region is just north of the Provence area. Mostly red wine is produced, heavily influenced by the spicy Syrah grape, blended with Grenache and other varieties. The wines are rich, with the spicy and peppery flavors of these grapes. Muscat and Viognier are also popular for the white wines of the Rhone Valley. Southwest France Close to Spain as well as the Bordeaux wine region, this is a number of smaller but growing areas in the south of France. The growing conditions are similar to Bordeaux, so many appellations grow the same grape varieties, and it is possible to find better value in wine from this region. The Bergerac wines are a good example.

However, with the large variety of wines, grapes used, and winemaking techniques, there is also a lot of variety in the wines from this region. It can be hard to know what you're getting, until you actually taste it. If you are interested in learning more about French wine, the best way is to start sampling and tasting a variety of wines from France to develop your own personal preferences. Wine Facts Online: Kinds of Wine: Wine By Region: Europe: France: Burgundy: Maconnais: Pouilly-Fuisse Mâconnais Pouilly-Fuissé Famous for their smoky mixture of yellow fruit flavors with more exotic spice and nut notes, the wines of Pouilly-Fuissé have emerged as the top white Burgundies outside the Côte de Beaune escarpment. Usually, they offer fractionally lower prices than Côte de Beaune boutique offerings, with proportionally more quality for the dollars. Certain cuvées have a dogged cult following, and the reputation of this area is growing to make it one of the most popular choices for Chardonnay in the world. The Pouilly-Fuissé appellation is a trifle misleading in that there is no village of the same name.

Rather, it is a composite of the four villages thought to make prime Mâconnais: Chaintré (1.28 square miles), Vergisson (2.23 square miles), Fuissé (1.88 square miles), and Solutré-Pouilly (2.38 square miles). This adds up to 7.77 square miles of village land--but due to the amazing viability of almost all land in these villages to produce wine, this ends up making for a record 1,871 acres of vineyard land. The amazingly high amount of land used in Pouilly-Fuissé makes it the largest appellation in Burgundy in terms of production--around 430,000 cases each year. For the record, that's over five million bottles. Also, there are no Premiers Crus. One would think, then, that quality in Pouilly-Fuissé would be a gamble, but the magic of the village is that most wines rarely fail to deliver the special flavors that the appellation so often promises.

History In 1936, the region was already known, but regulators cut out a few less esteemed parcels of land when making it into an appellation, and thus the Pouilly-Loche and Pouilly-Vinzelles appellations were made. Regulators also made the decision not to create Premiers Crus, and lieux-dits would later rise to prominence in a manner much reminiscent of the Grands Crus Corton and Clos de Vougeot. Climate and Viticulture The villages themselves are located southwest of the city of Mâcon, like all of the wine-producing appellations of that region. Oddly, they are actually located rather far away from each other, rather than being close together like most other villages joined in an appellation are. Rainfall and climate, then, vary slightly among the villages, not to mention the altitude of the hills on which most of the best vineyards are located. AOC regulators selected for the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation only the land that was covered in the best soil. Rich in alkaline, the soils mainly consist of clay but have the limestone base that characterizes most hills in the area.

The combination of the mineral-rich soil, which also is laced with iron in some parts, with the underlying structure of the limestone, is what makes white Burgundy so grand--and even if Pouilly-Fuissé doesn't have the altitude or coverage to rival Montrachet's perfection, it certainly makes a stylish Chardonnay. Grape Varieties Chardonnay : Since 1936, all wines legally bottled Pouilly-Fuissé are 100% varietal Chardonnay. The wines are known for what's considered to be a smoky essence. Overcoating all of the flavors and making them, to Pouilly's fans, more alluring and defined, the smoky flavor is derived neither from oak nor any other part of the viticultural process, but is simply the way Pouilly Chardonnay comes out. The flavors that underly the smoky texture often include yellow fruit, from zesty apple and citrus in the less oaked wines to rich, honeyed pear and pineapple in the exotic, heavily oaked cuvées.

Nutty, buttery nuances can come through in the most oaky wines, all but overshadowing the vibrant yellow fruit which is considered to define Chardonnay. The other main Pouilly-Fuissé flavor is spice, which isn't entirely rare for white Burgundy but reaches peaks of definition in this appellation. Exotic herbs such as ginger can complement the fruit, mingling with the smoke to create an altogether unusual white wine. These wines can be drunk young, but 3-5 years' aging might well lead to additional vibrancy in the flavors. Major Producers Quality in Pouilly-Fuissé is not guaranteed due to the size of the appellation, the amount of wine produced, and the lack of any Premier Cru designations. All wine is Chardonnay and must have 11% alcohol, but other than that, there are no rules. This is an odd situation for French wine, which is usually tightly regulated, but the freer system has apparently worked well for the best of the Pouilly-Fuissé growers. We consider 16 producers to be leading, and most of their prices are fairly reasonable, at least in comparison to the intimidating price tags of white Côte de Beaune.

Here is a list of these producers along with descriptions of their best wines. Daniel et Martine Barraud: This producer makes a number of cuvées from different vineyards. En France showcases consistent flavors of smoky citrus fruit, honey, and a powerful underlying minerality that keeps the wine monstrously precise. Les Crays is another of the greats, turning in more generously ripe flavors of exotic fruits, but also exhilarating mineral clarity. Recent vintages of La Roche have been unusually good, with almost salty minerality to complement vibrant citrus, and powerful, freshly vibrant yellow fruit. The old-vine cuvée En Buland is the most powerful and complex, with incredibly ripe citrus fruit and stony minerality, underlined by a classic Pouilly smoky element. Bret Brothers: A name often seen in any discussion of the Mâconnais, Bret Brothers is a fairly new producer that makes three cuvées in the prestigious Pouilly-Fuissé appellation. The En Carementrant is smoky and intense, emphasizing a mineral side. The Le Clos Reyssie is the best, notable for its concentrated fruit flavors combining with minerality to make a smoky wine of incredible texture and power.

Château de Beauregard: Many reliable cuvées are made here. These include powerfully minerally, spicy and herbal Aux Charmes, stern but well-focused La Marechaude, richly exotic, honeyed Les Issarts, smoky and brooding Vers Cras, ripe Vers Pouilly, and rich yet citrussy Vignes Blanches. Styles vary between cuvée and vintage, but they tend to be classically made with the signature smoky tinge. Château Fuissé: One of the most established, and certainly one of the best, producers in Pouilly-Fuissé. Since the cuvées have almost without exception been around for decades, their flavors are consistent and they can be counted on for good fruit. The old-vine non-lieu-dit wine is exciting, with intensely buttered yet quite vibrant and lively fruit flavors. The Les Combettes is one of the better lieux-dits, showing greenish fruit and powerful if slightly undefined floral aromas. The Le Clos is a mainstay, with smoky herbs that mix alluringly with deep yellow and green fruit and spicy oak tones.

Still, the Les Brûles is the flagship cuvée here, with its smoky palate of heavily oaked fruit showing buttery and herbal nuances. Often the most complex Pouilly-Fuissé with a few years of aging. Château des Rontets: Here the Clos Varambon is the least established, but in better vintages it is amazingly ripe and buttered yet has plenty of well-defined yellow fruit. Quality is close between the Les Birbettes and the Pierrefolle, the former showing powerfully perfumed spice and yellow fruit in an amazingly deep, thick style, and the latter concentrating much more on floral and mineral precision. Both would be interesting to age. Domaine de la Chapelle: The most high-profile wine here is the golden Les Grands Climats, with nobly honeyed yellow fruit mixing with sweet, buttered Meursault-like smells and smoky, intense minerality. Yet it is often outdone by the old-vine village example, which has much more vibrancy in its citrus fruit, if a little bitterness at first. The latter would be better aged, and yet can often show incredible liveliness with a few years.

Dominique Cornin: The village example here is above average, but the Clos Reyssie is better for its definitively smoky flavors of rich fruit and positively oaky spice and vanilla scents. More interesting but less appealing citrussy nuances populate the greener but spicy Les Chevrières, but with the right amount of aging this wine's intensity and exhilarating vibrancy might prove it the better of the two. Robert Denogent: Amazing complexity and volume are found in the Cuvée Claude Denogent, perhaps because it is made from old vines; stony minerality combines well with smoky yellow fruit and soil nuances here. The La Croix can be better, though its heavier exotic aromas are not for all tastes. The Les Reisses is similarly exotic but has a bit more character. Still, the Les Carrons must be the best wine here, for its complexity and depth. Although one of the most oak-influenced cuvées of Pouilly-Fuissé, its buttery and nutty aromas combine well with powerful citrus and minerality for a greatly balanced Chardonnay. Eric Forest: Here the Haut de Crays is notable for its smoky minerality and unusually exotic yellow fruit notes.

The La Côte is fresh and citrussy, but more harsh and intense. The Les Crays is more ripe and buttered but still has underlying force. Domaine Guffens Heynen: Though these wines are not always available, they are quite consistent. Tris des Hautes de Vignes is one of the better ones, with its fresh citrus and floral flavors mixing well to produce a cuvée of great purity and vibrancy. Powerful as this is, the Clos des Petits Croux often outdoes it, with honeyed yellow and green fruit overhung by smokiness. As a small-production wine this is hard to find and expensive but often worth it. Domaine Roger Lassarat: Ever-present in the Mâconnais, Lassarat is one of the top producers in Pouilly-Fuissé. In some vintages there are "Cuvée Unique" models from the lieux-dits, and these usually display exceptional purity. On a regular basis, their best climats are Clos des France, with its freshly minty if a bit lean yellow and green fruit aromas, and La Côte.

Olivier Merlin: The village wine here is excellent, with oaky, exotic flavors. The Clos des Quarts is honeyed and exotic yet smoky, an intriguing concoction. Terroir de Vergisson might be the best; combining intensely vibrant, Chablis-like citrus fruit with more exotic, generous yellow fruit notes, it has the typical Pouilly smoky overlay for a traditional yet innovative style. Jean Rijckaert: Rijckaert's Pouilly-Fuissé offerings are with few exceptions outstanding, even the clear, well-defined and fruity village wine. All the Rijckaert climats in this appellation have old vines. Les Bouthières shows citrus notes obscured by floral elegance and good sweetness. The Les Chailloux is a bit more rounded, with a smokier texture to the same bitter fruit and powerful herb nuances. The Les Croux is another step up, with honeyed and exotic but yet still herbal notes of yellow fruit, and almost spicy undertones. The Vers Chanes is yet better, with a clearer smoke element but more oaky richness for its flavors of herbs and somewhat spicy, unusual peach and pear fruit.

Still, the En Bulands has to be the signature wine for its superior vibrancy and aromatic power. Forcefully pungent, with almost wild peach and citrus notes mingling with sweeter honey aromas, it still has a clear smoke element. One of the top wines of its appellation, this could continue to evolve for an unusual 10 years. Domaine Jacques et Nathalie Saumaize: From this consistent domaine, even the basic old-vine village wine shows amazing green citrus flavors, bitter but smoky and well-concentrated. Among lieux-dits, La Roche has riper citrus with spicy undertones, and adds a bit more balance to the mix. Les Courtelongs is the flagship, though, for its more exotic yellow fruit, combined effortlessly with smoky, cooked notes, floral elegance, and biting minerality for the appellation. Domaine Saumaize-Michelin: The Vignes Blanches is spicy and has some strong minerality and dryness to make the fruit aromas a bit less pungent. Clos Sur la Roche is a step up, dense and fresh with only slightly citrussy yellow fruit and unimposing smoky minerality.

The Ronchevats attempts a richer style; its notes of herbs and sweeter, almost soil-driven fruit mingle well with the typical smoky element and minerality. Still, the bizarrely named Ampelopsis lieu-dit manages to make a wine of even more smokiness and complexity, with rich yellow fruit and a powerful floral element. One of the most elegant cuvées of Pouilly-Fuissé, this can age. Verget: Last but not least. Verget is one of the most widespread producers of Burgundy, making white wine in the Côte de Beaune and Chablis as well. The Mâconnais are their headquarters and Pouilly-Fuissé makes for some of the best wines. The basic village wine is simple and citrussy but fresh and not overoaked. There are a number of lieux-dits, and all the good ones are marked by village. Fuissé is ripe and quite powerful in style, with greenish, citrussy fruit. From Solutré-Pouilly, the La Mure has golden notes of ripe, vibrant yellow fruit and amazing floral power as well. The Les Combes can also be interesting.

But the Vergisson wines are the best, even the basic one, with its silky richness and un-Pouilly-like minerality. The La Roche from Vergisson is tip-top, with its amazingly powerful perfume of yellow and green citrus fruit and herbs and its unoaked vibrancy and clarity. Longer aging than average is possible. Subregions The lack of Grands Crus and Premiers Crus in Pouilly-Fuissé means that everything is based around lieux-dits. As a result, the role of the producer rather than the vineyard becomes more important. Still, there are some lieux-dits that are considered very important here. From Barraud and Rijckaert the En Buland vineyard produces magical old-vine cuvées, making it probably the best of its kind, but there are dozens of other common ones that can make for great wine. A few examples include La Roche, Vignes Blanches, Clos Reyssie, La Croix (often spelled different ways), and La Côte. Copyright 2009.

Pouilly-Fuisse Wine Region Pouilly-Fuisse Wine La Roche de Solutre above Pouilly Pouilly-Fuisse is the appellation for the finest white wines of southern Burgundy's Maconnais district. They are produced exclusively from Chardonnay grapes grown in the communes of Chaintre, Fuisse, Solutre-Pouilly and Vergisson. The Pouilly-Fuisse appellation officially dates back to September 1936, although the boundaries were drawn up as early as December 1922. It currently covers around 2000 acres (800ha) of hillside vineyards, planted on limestone-rich clay soils over a granitic base. The 1640-ft (500-m) limestone escarpment known as the Roche de Solutre is located at the heart of the appellation's vine-growing area and towers over the vineyards below. The Pouilly Fuisse title on a wine label may be completed by the name of the specific vineyard where the grapes were grown. The most commonly cited are La Roche, Les Vignes Blanches, Aux Chailloux and Les Crays.

There is no Premier Cru system within the appellation, so quality is indicated through the reputations of producers and their vineyards. The typical Pouilly-Fuisse wine is full-bodied, ripe and relatively elegant, with the best examples rivaling the finer wines of the Cote de Beaune . Last updated 13-Aug-2014 Marc Dudet Pouilly fuissè 2009 | Wine Info Within the French wine region of Burgundy lies a subregion of its own: Beaujolais. Read more Regions in Beaujolais Regional Style Burgundy Red Burgundian reds completely depend on their environment (terroir) to gain their nuances in flavor. These reds are lighter with medium acid and typically lower tannins. There is significant variety in price on reds from Burgundy. The region produces some of the most consistent table wines along with some of the most expensive and collectable in the world. Pinot Noir is almost always the grape of choice in Burgundy. These reds are significantly less fruit-forward than American varietals – in Burgundy it's all about the terroir, which can vary widely within the region. The charact...

Read more Top users in Burgundy Red A Simple Guide to Burgundy Wine (with Maps) | Wine Folly A Simple Guide to Burgundy Wine (with Maps) July 8, 2013 Blog » Learn About Wine » A Simple Guide to Burgundy Wine (with Maps) Want more confidence buying Burgundy wine? This simplified guide includes maps, infographics and the most important facts on the five major sub-regions. Know which regions are better for Chardonnay vs Pinot Noir. Guide to Burgundy Wine Regions The French Wine region of Burgundy (aka “Bourgogne”) may be small in size but its influence is huge in the world of vino. It can strike fear into the heart of even a seasoned wine pro, but fear not – the region need only be as complex as you want it to be. Yes, it is home to some of the most expensive wines in the known universe but there are tasty affordable wines too. Burgundy Wine History limestone fossil. by Paul About 200 million years ago, the region was part of a vast, tropical sea which created limestone soils, the secret behind the zesty minerality that’s a hallmark of Burgundy wines.

In fact, if you venture into the vineyards you can find chunks of limestone or marl (limestone mixed with clay) that have fascinating fossilized sea creatures mixed within. Winemaking goes back to the Romans in the 1st century AD but it was the Catholic monks that really established the vineyards in the Middle Ages growing grapes for the church and the aristocratic Dukes of Burgundy. The French Revolution gave the land back to the people who, today, pride themselves on their attachment to the land. So much so that many are practicing sustainable, organic and bio-dynamic viticulture and winemaking in ever increasing numbers. Just The Facts: Burgundy Wine The easiest way to wrap your brain around Burgundy is that there are just two grape varieties to remember: Pinot Noir & Chardonnay To the ‘vigneron” (winemakers/growers) Burgundy is not only the original home of these grapes but the ’terroir’ (tare-wah) that best expresses their character – elegant, aromatic, complex and highly enjoyable! Q: What is Terroir? The symbiosis of grape, soil, climate, vineyard placement, and the human touch, all rolled into one.

Burgundy is all about ‘terroir’ – it’s not just the taste of rocks. 2016 Wine Map Update Now Available: Appellation maps to explore all of the major wine producing regions of the world. Discover art made to be handled. View Wine Maps ➜ Where Exactly is Burgundy? Located in the east-central part of France, Burgundy has 5 wine growing areas (not including Beaujolais and Châtillonnais): Chablis CHABLIS "Famous for zesty Chardonnay" Chablis is the furthest north and geographically set apart from the rest of Burgundy. The river Serein (Serene) flows through the area, moderating the climate and grapes have been grown here since the Cistercian monks first started the vineyards in the 12th century. In reality, it’s really closer to Champagne, both in terms of location and climate, with harsh cold winters, spring frost and hot summers. The dominant soil here is called “Kemmeridgian” limestone, just like in Champagne.

Its white chalky texture is great at retaining and reflecting the warmth of the sun, sorely needed this far north, which helps the grapes ripen and gives the wines a purity and crispness that just says “Chablis”. All the wines are white and made with Chardonnay grapes. CÔTE DE NUITS "Famous for the richest Pinot Noir" The Côte de Nuits (named after walnut trees!) is home to 24 Grand Cru vineyards and some of the world’s most expensive vineyard real estate. The area begins just south of Dijon and ends at the village of Corgoloin. 80% of the wines produced here are Pinot Noir and the remaining 20% either Chardonnay or Rosé - a specialty of Marsannay. The Grand Cru vineyards form a patchwork on the eastern slopes facing the valley of the Saône River starting at the village of Gevery Chambertin, past Morey St-Denis and south to Vougeot and Vosne Romanée. Most are small and can have many owners, due to the structure of post French Revolution inheritance laws.

These renowned expressions of Pinot Noir can age for decades – and it might just take that long to save up for them as prices can range into the thousands of dollars. But don’t give up! Try some of the Côte de Nuits Village wines from Fixin, Brochon, Premeaux, Comblanchien and Corgoloin. Mostly Pinot Noir, they show classic full-bodied Burgundy notes of black currant, cherry, fresh red fruits and earthy mushroom and spice. Offerings in the Premier Cru category can be good buys as well and perfect for that special occasion. CÔTE DE BEAUNE "Famous for rich Chardonnay" The Côte de Beaune – named after the medieval village that is the heart of wine commerce in Burgundy – is quite different than its neighbor to the north. Here, the valleys are open and rolling, the vineyards have more of a southeasterly exposure and Chardonnay plays a more important role with 7 of the 8 Grand Cru vineyards producing white wine – Corton, Corton Charlemagne, Montrachet ( literal translation: Bald Mountain), being some of the well known names.

Again, you don’t need to mortgage the farm to enjoy amazing wines from this region. Look for the Côte de Beaune Village and Premier Cru wine from Chassagne-Montratchet, Santenay, Meursault, Puligny Montrachet, St. Aubin, Volnay, Pommard and Beaune The whites are filled with aromas of soft white flowers, dried grasses, fresh apple and pear and sometimes a touch of hazelnut. The reds will be a joy to drink now, or keep 5 years or so, with touches of plum, cherrystone, white tobacco and that Burgundian signature of minerality and good acidity. Côte de Nuits + Côte de Beaune = Côte d'Or! The 2 most historically important regions in Burgundy make up the Côte d’Or or Golden Slope a brisk day in Côte Chalonnaise. source CÔTE CHALONNAISE "Great for Value Pinot Noir and Sparkling Crémant" Our next stop in our tour of Burgundy is the Côte Chalonnaise situated between the towns of Chagny and Saint-Vallerin.

Here there are no Grand Cru vineyards. The Dukes of Burgundy were centered in Dijon and liked to keep their holdings close to home. They considered these areas to the south to be more rural and for the peasants! What a shame, they really missed out on some superb wines! The first village in the northern part of the region is Bouzeron, the only appellation devoted to the other white grape of Burgundy, Aligoté. This is a perfect summer sipper or choice for fish and shellfish. Aligoté is floral, citrus and flint, with perhaps a touch of honey. Delicious. Another village that does something a bit different (do we see a pattern emerging? ) is Rully, a vibrant center of Cremant de Bourgogne production since the 19th century. These white and rosé sparklers are made in the traditional method just as in Champagne. The villages of Mercurey, Givry and Montagny lay atop wonderful soils; layers of Jurassic limestone and marl with topsoils of eroded pebbles and clay.

In fact, the area around Givry, in the middle of the Chalonnaise, has over 13 types of soil. These different plots give the wines individual character and the winemakers here really know their soils, with some having held the vineyard lands since the 17th century. The wines from this area are good value. They range from smooth Chardonnays with subtle oak influences and ripe tree fruits to more rustic Pinot Noir filled with dried strawberry, cherry, earth and forest influences and suede-like tannins. MÂCONNAIS "Awesome Valued Chardonnay" The most southerly region, and the largest of Burgundy, is the Mâconnais. Once thought ‘ordinary’ this region is somewhat the ‘rogue’ of the family. During hard times, like the worldwide depression of the 1920’s and two World Wars, this region felt the brunt. Many of the local growers sold their grapes to co-operatives to survive. By the 1960's and 70's, tastes began to change with the consumption of wine dropping. They realized they needed to improve the wines if they wanted to compete.

Fruit quality standards were set and many younger growers, inheriting the family vineyards, decided to make their own wines. Located between the town of Tournus and St. Veran it lies at the crossroads between Northern and Southern France. The change is striking. As you travel south, even the buildings appear different – more Mediterranean in color and style with curved tiles on the rooftops. The climate is decidedly warmer too; in fact harvest begins a full two weeks earlier here than in Chablis. In the centre of the region is Viré-Clessé. Although it was declared as an appellation in 1999, outstanding wines have been made here for centuries. The influence of the warmer climate shows in the well-structured Chardonnays with notes of ripe stone fruits, honeysuckle, citrus peel and wild herbs. The main area, and most famous, is in the south: Pouilly-Fuissé, This region is a beautiful, open amphitheater of vineyards, with the villages in the valley bottom, lying in the shadow of Mont Solutré and Mont Vergisson.. Many of the vineyards border Beaujolais, just over the hills to the south.

The soils here are limestone with some granite as well. The wines are white, made from Chardonnay and display soft apple, pineapple and white peach aromas with wonderful structure and freshness. Burgundy Wine Classification Find better quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Burgundy by understanding how the wines are classified. There are over 100 ‘appellations’ or approved wine growing areas and these are divided into 4 levels of quality. 1% Grand Cru e.g. Crémant de Bourgogne Regional Wines Regional Wines can be made from grapes grown anywhere in Burgundy and tend to be fresh, light and lively making them terrific sippers or aperitif wines. You will find them labeled “Bourgogne Rouge” (red) or “Bourgogne Blanc (white). Don’t forget to check out the back label on these wines! They are now allowed to note the grape variety which can be really helpful. If you like sparkling wines, the delightful “Crément de Bourgogne” is also in this category. Village Wines The next step-up are the “Village” wines named after a town near to where the grapes are sourced.

These wines are still fresh and fruity, with little-to-no oak, but are a tad more complex. Look for names like “Pouilly Fuisse”, “Santenay”, “Givry” or “Mercurey”. Premier Cru Burgundy “Premier Cru” wines are from special vineyard areas within a village. These bits of vineyard are called “climats” (clee-mats) and produce wines that are a bit more intense than the regular old Village wines! This might be because of the type of soil, the way the vineyard faces the morning sun, longer aging in oak or a myriad of other reasons. Premier Crus are still affordable and make marvelous food wines. The label will say “Premier Cru” or “1er Cru”. Grand Cru Burgundy And finally, the big daddies of Bourgogne – the “Grand Cru” with famous names like Romanée Conti, La Tâche, Montrachet and the label will proudly proclaim their status! Although they account for just over 1% of Burgundy’s annual production, these are the wines for which people are willing to pay top dollar.

Bold, powerful, complex and made for cellaring, these are the epitome of both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. There are a total of 33 Grand Cru vineyards in Burgundy – some are just inches away from a Premier Cru vineyard. The most important thing I ever learned about Burgundy is that there are always exceptions to every rule – and here’s one: Remember the levels of wine that apply to Burgundy? Well they don’t in Chablis. The area known for zesty Chardonnay has its very own ranking system. Hilarie Larson Chablis Classification System Petit Chablis Produced from grapes grown surrounding the village, which are higher in acidity and have lots of light citrus character. These are wonderful when drunk young so look for recent vintages. Chablis These wines are a bit rounder and more minerally with grapes sourced from the limestone slopes near the village of Chablis. The majority of the wines we see on our local shelves are in this category.

Premier Cru Chablis Only about 15% of the annual production, these wines are more nuanced and elegant coming from vineyards filled with that wonderful Kimmeridgian limestone marl giving these wines a distinctive character. Look for climate names on the label like “Mont de Milieu” (“Mount in the middle”), “Côte de Léchet” (really zesty) or “Fourchaume” (fruity). Grand Cru Chablis These vineyards are located in a beautiful arc north of the town of Chablis where the steep slopes face south-southwest. There is only, technically, one Grand Cru but there are 7 ‘climats’ inside that Grand Cru and their names will be on the label: Blanchot, Bougros, Les Clos, Grenouilles, Presuses, Valmur and Vaudésir. The Grand Cru wines in Chablis can taste dissimilar to the rest of Chablis because many are aged in oak. The Grand Cru vineyards produce wines that age beautifully with floral honey notes and a refreshing flinty acidity.

Question: Which French wine region produces Pouilly-Fuisse?
Answer: BURGUNDY