Burgundy's Southern Outpost
Mâconnais
Where Chardonnay achieves tropical opulence, Gamay meets Pinot Noir, and the limestone cliffs of Solutré watch over Burgundy's most undervalued treasure
The Sunny South of Burgundy
A land of golden Chardonnay, dramatic limestone cliffs, and exceptional value that rivals the Côte de Beaune
Stretching 40 kilometers from Tournus to the edge of Beaujolais, the Mâconnais is Burgundy's southern frontier—a sun-drenched landscape where Chardonnay achieves a ripeness and tropical opulence unknown further north. Here, the wines offer a compelling middle ground between the classicism of the Côte d'Or and the ripeness of the New World, often at prices that make serious Burgundy accessible.
The region is dominated by white wine—nearly 90% of production—with Chardonnay reigning supreme. But unlike the Côte de Beaune's lean, mineral expressions, Mâconnais Chardonnay is full-bodied, aromatic, and generous, with notes of tropical fruit, white flowers, and honeyed almond. The best sites, particularly in Pouilly-Fuissé, Saint-Véran, and Viré-Clessé, produce wines of remarkable complexity and aging potential that can rival Puligny-Montrachet.
Yet the Mâconnais is not just Chardonnay. The southern reaches, where granite and sand meet limestone, are home to Gamay and Pinot Noir, producing light, juicy reds and rosés that offer some of Burgundy's best value in red wine. The appellation of Mâcon-Serrières is devoted exclusively to these red wines.
Key Facts
- Location: Southern Burgundy, Saône-et-Loire
- Size: 40km long × 10km wide
- Soil: Limestone, marl, clay, sand, granite
- Climate: Continental, warmer than Côte d'Or
- Main Grape: Chardonnay (90%)
- Red Grapes: Gamay, Pinot Noir
- Key Feature: Roche de Solutré & Vergisson
From Roman Vines to Premier Cru
How the Mâconnais evolved from ancient viticulture to Burgundy's first southern Premier Cru
Roman Foundations
The Romans bring viticulture to the region, recognizing the potential of the limestone hillsides. The ancient town of Mâcon (Matisco) becomes a wine trading center.
Abbey of Cluny
William I, Count of Mâcon, founds the Abbey of Cluny. The monks become major vineyard owners, extending their influence northward to the Côte d'Or and establishing Mâconnais as a viticultural heartland.
The Gamay Ban
Philip the Bold bans Gamay from the Côte d'Or, but the Mâconnais maintains mixed plantings. The region develops its own identity, with Chardonnay gaining prominence on limestone soils and Gamay thriving on granite.
AOC Mâcon Established
The Mâcon AOC is created, covering red, white, and rosé wines. The generic appellation allows any grower in the region to use the name, leading to variable quality but establishing the region's commercial presence.
Saint-Véran AOC
The Saint-Véran appellation is established, exclusively for white wines from eight communes surrounding Pouilly-Fuissé. This recognizes the distinct quality of wines from the limestone slopes.
The Quality Revolution
Producers like Jean-Marie Guffens (Guffens-Heynen), Bret Brothers, and Robert Denogent demonstrate that Mâconnais terroir can produce world-class Chardonnay. Hand harvesting, lower yields, and oak aging replace industrial methods.
Pouilly-Fuissé Premier Cru
After 30 years of campaigning, Pouilly-Fuissé becomes the first Mâconnais appellation to achieve Premier Cru status. 22 climats are elevated, recognizing the region's potential for serious, age-worthy white Burgundy.
UNESCO World Heritage
The Climats of Burgundy, including those in the Mâconnais, are designated UNESCO World Heritage, recognizing the unique terroir-based viticulture of the region.
Two Rocks and Three Soils
The dramatic geology of the Mâconnais creates distinct expressions of Chardonnay and Gamay
⛰️ Roche de Solutré & Vergisson
These dramatic limestone escarpments dominate the southern Mâconnais. The crinoidal limestone is harder and less eroded than surrounding areas, creating distinct microclimates and mineral-rich soils that give Pouilly-Fuissé and Saint-Véran their unique character.
🪨 Limestone & Marl
The alkaline soils of the northern Mâconnais—limestone, marl, and clay—are perfect for Chardonnay. These soils produce fine, age-worthy wines with minerality and structure, particularly in Viré-Clessé and the best Mâcon-Villages sites.
🏖️ Sand & Granite
Southern areas feature sandier soils with granite and volcanic subsoil (transitioning to Beaujolais). These acidic soils are ideal for Gamay, producing juicy, aromatic red wines with soft tannins and bright fruit.
🌡️ Warm Continental Climate
Sunnier and warmer than the Côte d'Or, with milder winters. The region ripens Chardonnay earlier, achieving higher sugar levels and tropical fruit character while maintaining freshness through elevation and limestone influence.
The Appellation Hierarchy
| Appellation | Type | Area | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pouilly-Fuissé | White (Chardonnay) | ~800 hectares | Full-bodied, ripe, mineral; 22 Premiers Crus (2020) |
| Saint-Véran | White (Chardonnay) | ~700 hectares | Charming, fresh, early-drinking; surrounds Pouilly-Fuissé |
| Viré-Clessé | White (Chardonnay) | ~400 hectares | Structured, mineral, age-worthy; rare sweet "levrouté" |
| Pouilly-Vinzelles | White (Chardonnay) | ~50 hectares | Opulent, honeyed, smaller production |
| Pouilly-Loché | White (Chardonnay) | ~30 hectares | Elegant, floral, rare |
| Mâcon-Villages | White (Chardonnay) | ~3,500 hectares | Reliable quality, 27 named villages, excellent value |
| Mâcon + Village | White/Red/Rosé | Variable | Specific terroir expression (e.g., Mâcon-Vergisson) |
Village by Village
Exploring the distinct personalities of the Mâconnais appellations
Pouilly-Fuissé
The Crown Jewel • 22 Premiers Crus
The most prestigious appellation in the Mâconnais, covering four communes: Chaintré, Fuissé, Solutré-Pouilly, and Vergisson. The wines are full-bodied, potent, and ripe yet elegant, with good acidity. The 2020 elevation of 22 climats to Premier Cru status—including Les Clos, Le Clos de Monsieur Noly, and Les Ménétrières—recognizes the serious aging potential of these wines. Styles vary by commune: Fuissé is opulent, Vergisson is mineral and tight, Solutré is balanced, and Chaintré is rich.
Key Producers: Château-Fuissé, Domaine Ferret, Domaine Guffens-Heynen, Bret Brothers
Saint-Véran
The Elegant Neighbor • 8 Communes
Surrounding Pouilly-Fuissé on its northern and southern borders, Saint-Véran produces exclusively white wines from eight communes. The appellation offers exceptional value—wines with similar limestone terroir to Pouilly-Fuissé but at lower prices. The style is full-bodied and fresh, with charming fruit for short-term drinking, though top sites can age. Chasselas and Saint-Amour (not to be confused with the Beaujolais cru) produce the most structured, elegant wines.
Key Producers: Domaine de la Soufrandière, Domaine Robert Denogent, Domaine Cordier
Viré-Clessé
The Structured • Mineral & Age-worthy
Created in 1999 from the best sites of two former Mâcon-Villages communes. The wines are more structured and mineral than typical Mâcon, with excellent aging potential. The appellation is also known for rare sweet wines called "levrouté" (or "pourri noble"), made from grapes affected by Botrytis cinerea due to morning mists from the Saône River. These honeyed wines are miniscule in production and highly sought after.
Key Producers: Domaine de la Bongran (Jean Thevenet), Domaine Guillemot-Michel, Domaine de la Rochette
Pouilly-Vinzelles & Pouilly-Loché
The Hidden Gems • Opulent & Floral
Two small appellations on the eastern slopes of the limestone ridge, across from Pouilly-Fuissé. Vinzelles produces opulent, honeyed wines with body and richness. Loché is more elegant and floral, with only 30 hectares under vine. Both offer exceptional value compared to their more famous neighbor, with similar limestone terroir but less name recognition. Bret Brothers is the standout producer in Vinzelles.
Key Producers: Bret Brothers (Vinzelles), Château de Loché (Loché)
Mâcon-Villages
The Workhorse • 27 Named Villages
The backbone of Mâconnais production, covering over 3,500 hectares. Wines labeled simply Mâcon-Villages can come from any of ~100 villages, but look for specific village names for the best quality: Vergisson, Lugny, Uchizy, Milly-Lamartine, La Roche-Vineuse, and Cruzille are among the 27 permitted to append their names. These offer reliable, excellent value Chardonnay with tropical fruit, butterscotch in ripe years, and fresh acidity.
Key Producers: Les Héritiers du Comte Lafon, Olivier Merlin, Domaine Guillot-Broux, Julien Guillot (Les Vignes du Maynes)
Mâcon Rouge & Rosé
The Red Frontier • Gamay & Pinot Noir
While whites dominate, the Mâconnais produces charming reds and rosés from Gamay and Pinot Noir. The granite and sand soils of the south favor Gamay, making juicy, purple wines with bright fruit and low tannins. Pinot Noir from limestone sites offers strawberry aromatics and fresh acidity. Mâcon-Serrières is devoted exclusively to red and rosé. These are perfect for early drinking, slightly chilled, with light dishes.
Key Producers: Julien Guillot (Les Vignes du Maynes), Domaine des Vignes du Maynes (natural wines)
The Three Grapes
Chardonnay dominates, but Gamay and Pinot Noir offer surprising value in the Mâconnais
Chardonnay
The king of the Mâconnais, representing 90% of production. Achieves full ripeness here, producing wines with tropical fruit, white flowers, and honeyed almond notes that differ markedly from the Côte de Beaune's leaner style.
- Plantings: ~6,300 hectares (90%)
- Style: Full-bodied, opulent, aromatic
- Aromas: Tropical fruit, peach, acacia, hazelnut
- Aging: 3-10 years for top wines
- Terroir: Limestone for finesse, clay for body
Gamay
Thrives in the sandy, granitic soils of the southern Mâconnais, near Beaujolais. Produces light, juicy wines with bright purple color and red fruit aromas. Perfect for early drinking and light chilling.
- Plantings: ~600 hectares
- Style: Light, fruity, low tannin
- Aromas: Strawberry, raspberry, violet
- Soil: Sand, granite, acidic soils
- Drinking: 1-3 years, serve slightly chilled
Pinot Noir
Planted on limestone-rich sites, Mâconnais Pinot Noir offers surprising quality at entry-level prices. The wines are fresh, aromatic, and strawberry-fruited, with silky tannins and immediate appeal.
- Plantings: ~100 hectares
- Style: Light-bodied, aromatic, fresh
- Aromas: Strawberry, cherry, peony, white pepper
- Soil: Limestone, marl
- Value: Often under $20, exceptional QPR
Natural & Biodynamic Producers
The Mâconnais has become a hotbed for organic farming and low-intervention winemaking
Icons & Pioneers
Rising Stars & Natural Specialists
Pouilly-Fuissé Premier Crus
In 2020, 22 climats achieved Premier Cru status—the first in the Mâconnais
Key Premier Cru Climats
- Les Clos (Fuissé): Monopole of Château-Fuissé. The reference point—opulent, structured, long-lived.
- Le Clos de Monsieur Noly (Fuissé): Historic walled vineyard, mineral and precise.
- Les Ménétrières (Solutré): Mid-slope, balanced, floral elegance.
- Les Vignes Blanches (Solutré): Old vines, concentration, honeyed depth.
- La Maréchaude (Solutré): Power and finesse, aging potential.
Key Premier Cru Climats
- Les Crays (Vergisson): Highest elevation, taut, mineral, "salty."
- Les Chevrières (Vergisson): Steep slope, concentrated, flinty.
- Sur la Roche (Vergisson): Directly below the rock, powerful, structured.
- Le Clos (Chaintré): Rich, opulent, southern warmth.
- Les Chevaux (Chaintré): Depth and texture, full-bodied.
The 2020 Classification
After three decades of lobbying by producers, Pouilly-Fuissé became the first Mâconnais appellation to achieve Premier Cru status in 2020. The INAO recognized 22 specific climats (vineyard sites) based on their consistent quality, distinct terroir, and aging potential. This elevation puts Pouilly-Fuissé on par with village-level appellations in the Côte de Beaune and represents a significant step in the region's quality revolution. The Premiers Crus represent roughly 25% of Pouilly-Fuissé production and command higher prices, though they remain exceptional value compared to Meursault or Puligny-Montrachet.
Visiting the Mâconnais
Dramatic cliffs, prehistoric sites, and welcoming domaines
⛰️ Roche de Solutré
The iconic 500-meter limestone escarpment towers over the vineyards. A "Grand Site de France" with hiking trails, panoramic views, and the Musée de la Préhistoire at its base—one of Europe's richest prehistoric sites. The Maison du Grand Site offers wine and nature education.
🍷 Wine Tourism
Unlike the Côte d'Or, many domaines welcome drop-in visitors. Château-Fuissé has a tasting room and guest house. The village of Fuissé has several producers within walking distance. The relaxed atmosphere makes exploration easy.
🍽️ Gastronomy
The region is famous for Bresse chicken, Charolais beef, and Mâconnais goat cheese. The bistros of Mâcon and the restaurant at Château-Fuissé offer excellent local cuisine. Don't miss the truffle markets in winter.
3-Day Itinerary: From Solutré to Cruzille
Day 1 - Pouilly-Fuissé: Morning hike up Roche de Solutré for panoramic views. Visit Château-Fuissé for tasting and lunch. Afternoon with Domaine Ferret or Guffens-Heynen. Overnight in Solutré-Pouilly.
Day 2 - Saint-Véran & Vinzelles: Visit Bret Brothers in Pouilly-Vinzelles. Lunch at a local bistro. Afternoon with Domaine Robert Denogent or Frantz Chagnoleau in Saint-Véran. Explore the village of Vergisson.
Day 3 - Cruzille & Natural Wine: Morning with Julien Guillot (Les Vignes du Maynes) or Domaine Guillot-Broux in Cruzille. These are natural wine icons—appointment required. Afternoon in Mâcon for the old town and cathedral. Farewell dinner with Bresse chicken and local wine.