What is Pouilly-Fuissé?Burgundy's Chardonnay from the Mâconnais limestone hills, at Fiena, King's Cross

Pouilly-Fuissé is an appellation, or AOC, for white wine in the Mâconnais, the southern part of Burgundy in central France, west of the Saône river. It covers four villages: Fuissé, Solutré-Pouilly, Vergisson and Chaintré. Only one grape is allowed: Chardonnay.

The Mâconnais is mostly known for good-value white wine, and Pouilly-Fuissé is its best-known name. West of Mâcon the land rises into the Mont de Pouilly and other limestone hills, covered in the alkaline clay that suits Chardonnay best, with the four villages sheltering at their feet.

• Roman times: Mâcon was a major crossroads, and the Romans would have brought vines here, if the Celts weren't already growing them.
• 1936: the Pouilly-Fuissé AOC was created on 11 September. The area had simply been called "Pouilly", and was split into three: Pouilly-Fuissé, Pouilly-Loché and Pouilly-Vinzelles.
• 2020: it was granted premier cru vineyards for the first time, and there are now 22 premier cru climats.

The names are close, but the wines aren't. Pouilly-Fumé is a Sauvignon Blanc from around Pouilly-sur-Loire in the Loire Valley, the same grape as Sancerre. Pouilly-Fuissé is Chardonnay from Burgundy.

Oak ageing is up to each producer, so you'll find versions with and without it. Either way, aromas of nuts and yellow fruit such as lemon, pineapple and apple tend to lead, and with age, honey and brioche take over. The best can age for up to 20 years. Background from Wikipedia's Pouilly-Fuissé page and its Mâconnais page.

On our drinks menu, the Pouilly Fuisse Albert Bichot is described as a medium-bodied dry white with a pale golden colour, with aromas of ripe pear, white peach and subtle almond, enriched by gentle oak. If you like it, try the plain Chardonnay on the same list, with aromas of white fruit and subtle oak, or compare it with the Sancerre and the Gavi di Gavi. See our guide to our wine list and our posts on Sancerre and Albariño, and ask our team about bottles when you order.

A rounder white with a touch of oak works well with creamy and buttery dishes. From our main menu:

• Capesante, pan-fried scallops with a lemon buttery sauce.
• Salmon with lemon sauce, with white wine, lemon zest, lemon juice and butter, served with French beans.
• Risotto asparagus & prawns, with king prawns, seasonal asparagus, parmesan, white wine and butter.
• Pollo ai funghi, pan-fried chicken with sautéed mushrooms and double cream, with roasted potatoes.
• Linguine Fiena, with chicken, mushrooms, garlic and cream.

See our posts on scallops, risotto and our chicken dishes.

Guests often talk about the feel of the place as much as the food. Ayub found the atmosphere warm and welcoming, with a relaxed vibe that made it perfect for both a casual meal and a nicer night out. (Ayub, Google review) Nasipa noted that The service was warm and helpful without being intrusive. (Nasipa, Google review) And Katelyn would Highly recommend this cosy, inviting place to anyone looking for a good bite! (Katelyn, Google review)

“The food was outstanding — fresh ingredients, beautifully cooked, and full of authentic flavor.”

Ayub, Google review, 2025