Burgundy is renowned for its wine, but while the region's most famous appellations like Gevrey-Chambertin, Chablis, and Meursault are well-known, there are other lesser-known appellations that are just as worthy of attention. In this blog post, we'll be exploring two of these appellations, Mercurey in the Côte Chalonnaise and Pouilly-Fuissé in the Côte Mâconnais.
Mercurey is the largest appellation in the Côte Chalonnaise and is known for producing high-quality red wines made from the Pinot Noir grape variety. The region's relatively warm climate and limestone-rich soils make it an ideal place to grow this grape, resulting in wines that are full-bodied with notes of dark fruit and spices. Mercurey wines are often described as being a great value, offering a similar quality to wines from more famous appellations at a lower price point.
Pouilly-Fuissé is one of the most famous appellations in the Côte Mâconnais, known for producing complex and rich white wines made from the Chardonnay grape variety. The appellation is located on a series of hills that face south, providing excellent exposure to sunlight, which helps to ripen the grapes fully. The resulting wines are often described as being full-bodied with notes of tropical fruit, hazelnut, and vanilla. Pouilly-Fuissé wines are a great alternative to the more expensive white wines of the Côte d'Or, offering a similar quality at a lower price point.
Saint-Véran is another appellation in the Côte Mâconnais that is worth exploring. The wines of this appellation are made from Chardonnay and are often described as being elegant and refreshing, with notes of citrus and honey. The appellation is known for producing white wines that are similar in style to those of its more famous neighbor, Pouilly-Fuissé, but at a lower price point.
In conclusion, while the famous appellations of Burgundy are well-known, there are other lesser-known appellations that are just as worthy of attention. Mercurey, Pouilly-Fuissé, and Saint-Véran are just a few examples of the high-quality wines that can be found in these lesser-known appellations. So the next time you're looking for a great bottle of wine, consider exploring the wines of the Côte Chalonnaise and the Côte Mâconnais – you might just discover a hidden gem!
