Cote Maconnais
South of the Cote d'Or and Cote Chalonnais wine regions of Burgundy, the Maconnais is a broad pastoral area with a long history of wine production. The region takes its name from the town of Macon, which has been a major crossroads since ancient times, with grape cultivation undertaken by the Celts and Romans. Like the regions further north the Maconnais relies on limestone soils to provide purity and clarity to its wines, and the region has vineyards scattered across its rolling hillsides.
Chardonnay is the most widely cultivated grape in Maconnais, with the remaining production given to red wines made from the red grape Gamay, and Pinot Noir. Wines from the regional appellations can be very simple, but the quality is improving. There are 43 village appellations in Maconnais, and seeking wines with a Macon-Villages title on the label will add some quality insurance. The well-known appellations of Saint-Veran, Pouilly-Fuisse, Pouilly-Loche and Pouilly-Vinzelles provide a source of top quality, good value wines.
