2022 Chateau de Fuisse Mâcon-Villages, Burgundy

Château de Fuissé Mâcon Villages is a bright, generous and beautifully pure Chardonnay that shows just how much charm the southern reaches of Burgundy can offer. The Vincent family, custodians of Château de Fuissé for five generations, apply the same meticulous approach to their Mâconnais fruit as they do to their famous Pouilly Fuissé vineyards. The grapes come from limestone and clay rich slopes around the village of Fuissé, where warm days ripen fruit with ease while cool nights maintain energising acidity. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel to preserve freshness, with a short rest on fine lees adding gloss and subtle savoury dimension.

The wine opens with aromas of ripe pear, white peach and lemon zest, lifted by hints of blossom, fresh herbs and a light mineral echo. There is a sunny generosity to the fruit, balanced by a clean, stony undertone that keeps everything poised. As it breathes, notes of apple skin, acacia and a faint creamy nuance emerge, offering extra shape without losing clarity.

The palate is smooth, fruit driven and beautifully refreshing. Juicy orchard fruit and citrus glide across a gentle lees enhanced texture, carried by crisp acidity that brings definition and lift. Peach, melon and subtle almond flavours unfold into a long, clean finish with a whisper of limestone. It is exceptionally versatile at the table and particularly well suited to Mediterranean seafood, roast chicken with herbs, creamy vegetable dishes, sushi, soft cheeses or simple lunches built around fresh produce. It also holds well for a couple of years in bottle, gaining extra roundness while keeping its brightness.