Winemaker Notes
This elegant Pouilly-Fuissé comes from the “La Maréchaude” parcel, acquired by Saumaize-Michelin in 2013. Grown on clay and limestone slopes and hand-harvested, the Chardonnay reveals fresh, refined aromas of white flowers, citrus, and exotic fruits. On the palate, it is powerful yet mineral-driven, showcasing superb balance, finesse, and freshness. The exceptional terroir imparts juicy stone fruit flavors—peach and melon—beautifully supported by subtle toasty notes.
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2023 Pouilly-Fuissé La Maréchaude 1er Cru, which is so steep it has to be worked manually and where they are trialling higher trellising, has just a soupçon more exoticism than the Sur La Roche with hints of apricot, citrus fruit, vervaine and light chamomile scents in the background. Quite complex. The palate is fresh and crisp, very harmonious with hints of nectarine and apricot, fine mineralité and tension though maybe not quite as sustained as the Sur La Roche on the finish. But this is still a fine Premier Cru.
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!