Château Fuissé’s Pouilly-Fuissé 2020 “Le Clos Monopole” Premier Cru is a compelling example of premium Burgundian Chardonnay from the Mâconnais. The single-vineyard “Le Clos” is the flagship plot of the estate, benefiting from complete ownership by Château Fuissé, which ensures singular expression and precise viticulture. The 2020 vintage, marked by generosity and ripeness thanks to a warm and sunny growing season, accentuates the purity of the Chardonnay. Gentle pressing, fermentation partly in oak barrels, and extended lees ageing contribute texture and depth, resulting in a wine of layered complexity, marked by aromas of white peach, citrus blossom, and a delicate note of toasted hazelnut.
The Mâconnais region, in the southern stretches of Burgundy, is defined by its warmer, dry climate compared to northern appellations, allowing the Chardonnay grape to ripen fully and develop rich fruit character while maintaining finesse. The limestone-clay soils around Pouilly-Fuissé bring vivid minerality and a subtle saline edge, lending elegance and a lifted, persistent finish to the wines. Château Fuissé itself boasts a history stretching back to 1862, with a long-standing commitment to expressing the unique qualities of its varied terroirs.
For food pairings, this Premier Cru Pouilly-Fuissé shines alongside refined seafood dishes such as seared scallops, lobster in a light butter sauce, or grilled turbot. Poultry with creamy morel sauce, a classic Burgundy preparation, accentuates the wine’s rich texture. Soft-ripened cheeses like Saint-Marcellin or a young Comté also complement its subtle nutty nuances and crisp acidity.
Serve this wine slightly chilled, ideally between 10-12°C, to best appreciate its aromatic complexity and creamy texture. Decanting for 30 minutes can enhance the bouquet, revealing subtle oak and mineral notes. While already approachable, this cuvée has the structure for several more years’ cellaring, where further complexity will undoubtedly develop.
