Viniou Reviews
Château-Fuissé’s Cuvée Tête de Cru 2015 is an excellent expression of Pouilly-Fuissé, one of Burgundy’s renowned white wine appellations. Crafted exclusively from Chardonnay, this wine showcases the depth and precision possible in the Mâconnais subregion. The 2015 vintage benefited from a warm growing season, yielding grapes with concentrated flavours and rich textures. The fruit is sourced from meticulously chosen parcels around the Château, with vines rooted in limestone and clay soils that give both tension and complexity to the wine. Vinification follows the traditional Burgundy approach – fermentation and élevage in a combination of stainless steel and oak barrels (often a portion being new oak), bringing aromatic richness, a gentle toastiness, and subtle nutty notes without overwhelming the purity of the fruit.
The Mâconnais, situated at the southern tip of Burgundy, enjoys a slightly warmer and sunnier climate than the Côte d’Or, resulting in Chardonnay wines that are rounder and more opulent yet retain the mineral drive so characteristic of Burgundy. The region’s rolling hills, patchwork of small vineyards, and prominent limestone create the ideal conditions for crafting wines with finesse, tension, and a distinctive sense of place. Historically, Pouilly-Fuissé stands out as the ambassador of the Mâconnais, gaining worldwide acclaim since the 20th century for its elegant, complex whites.
This wine’s richness and layered character make it a superb companion to a variety of dishes. Classic pairings include roast chicken with tarragon, veal blanquette, or shellfish such as lobster or scallops in a creamy sauce. Regional specialities like Burgundy snails or a Comté cheese tart would also work beautifully, as would vegetarian dishes featuring mushrooms or a risotto with spring vegetables.
For optimal enjoyment, serve this Pouilly-Fuissé at 12-14°C. This temperature will showcase its aromatic profile—ripe stone fruits, white flowers, gentle toasted notes—while retaining its freshness and structure. Decanting for 20-30 minutes can further open up the wine, especially if enjoyed now, although it can be cellared for a few more years for greater complexity.
