Winemaker Notes
A blend of fruit from parcels in the village of Vergisson, this "alliance" of the best terroirs (and older vines) delivers a wine that’s a serious overachiever. Spice and mineral, floral energy galore; a lovely young Burgundian Chardonnay that has plenty of potential for the cellar, too.
Drink as an aperitif or with salad, roasted chicken, and fresh French cheeses.
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
A blend from 45-60-year-old vines in Vergisson and Fuissé, the 2022 Pouilly-Fuissé Alliance has meliorated since I tasted it in barrel, more complex with dried honey and yellow flowers, a touch of beeswax. The palate is very well balanced with a silver bead of acidity, bright and lively, perhaps missing just a little persistence but otherwise, this is quite a complex and engaging Pouilly-Fuissé."
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
The source of some of the most sought-after white wines of the Mâconnais, Pouilly-Fuissé is produced exclusively from the Chardonnay grape and tends to be slightly richer in style than wines from its northern neighbor, the Côte de Beaune—mainly due to warmer weather. Wines from Pouilly-Fuissé have some versatility; they can be enjoyed young and can also often improve with a little time in the cellar. Pouilly-Fuissé wines are considered some of the best values for white Burgundy.
Similar to the Côte de Beaune, the soils of Pouilly-Fuissé are mainly limestone and clay. The appellation includes the communes of Fuissé, Solutré (which includes Pouilly), Vergisson and Chaintré. The richest Chardonnay comes from Fuissé and Solutré-Pouilly, whereas the Chardonnay at higher elevation, from Vergisson, expresses more minerality and finesse. Pairing Pouilly-Fuissé with lobster or King Crab will bring great joy not only to your palate—but also your pocketbook!