Pouilly-Fuissé 1er Cru Les Chevrières 2023 – Pacaud Vignerons

The depth of Chardonnay in the heart of the Mâconnais

The Pouilly-Fuissé 1er Cru Les Chevrières 2023 by Pacaud Vignerons is a fine white Burgundy that expresses the richness of Chardonnay through a refined balance of texture, freshness and minerality. A characterful organic wine, born from old vines and a minimalist approach in the cellar, crafted to let the fruit and terroir speak for themselves.

The grapes come from the Les Chevrières vineyard, located in the commune of Chaintré, in the Mâconnais. Facing south at an altitude of approximately 250 metres, the vineyard is home to vines around 60 years old. The shallow soils, composed of Middle Jurassic limestone with a surface layer of clay rich in iron oxides, contribute to a complex, intense profile with a pronounced mineral character.

The winemaker’s notes

What strikes me about Les Chevrières 2023 is its ability to combine the richness of Chardonnay with a freshness that keeps the wine lively and precise.

The aromatic profile revolves around ripe yellow-fleshed fruit, with hints of peach and exotic fruit, complemented by delicate nuances and a complexity that develops further with ageing. On the palate, it is broad and dense, with a generous texture supported by fine minerality and well-integrated freshness. The finish is savoury and persistent, with lingering fruit notes that invite another sip.

This is a white wine that combines depth and elegance, bringing confidence and presence to the table without sacrificing precision or drinkability.

— Yuri Stefani

Why we chose it

Pouilly-Fuissé 1er Cru Les Chevrières is one of the most compelling expressions of Chardonnay from the Mâconnais. Its Premier Cru classification recognises the value of its specific vineyard site, while the old vines and the domaine’s respectful approach to winemaking contribute to the wine’s identity and depth.

We appreciate the way it delivers richness without feeling heavy. Ageing on fine lees in 500-litre oak barrels enhances its structure and complexity while maintaining a balance between fruit, freshness and minerality.

A white Burgundy to choose when looking for a wine that can stand up to sophisticated dishes, yet is equally rewarding when enjoyed on its own.

The terroir

The Pouilly-Fuissé appellation lies in the Mâconnais, in the southern part of Burgundy, where Chardonnay is the undisputed star of the region’s great white wines.

Les Chevrières is a vineyard site in Chaintré, on a south-facing slope at approximately 250 metres above sea level. The soil is characterised by Middle Jurassic limestone, with a surface layer of clay rich in iron oxides.

The shallow soils and limestone-clay composition help combine ripe fruit, structure and mineral tension. Since the 2020 vintage, Les Chevrières has benefited from Premier Cru classification, recognising the distinctive quality of this climat.

The winery

Pacaud Vignerons is a family-run domaine in the Mâconnais, led by brothers Julien and Sébastien Pacaud. Their winemaking philosophy focuses on understanding the individual vineyard sites and applying a measured approach both in the vineyard and in the cellar.

The domaine follows organic practices. Its certification process began in 2019, and its wines from the 2022 vintage onwards can carry organic certification.

For Les Chevrières 2023, the grapes are hand-harvested and pressed as whole bunches. Fermentation takes place without the addition of sulphur dioxide, using indigenous yeasts, following a light settling of the must. The wine ages for 12 months on fine lees in 500-litre barrels previously used for one wine, enhancing complexity and texture without overshadowing the expression of the terroir. A light filtration follows.

Technical details

Producer: Pacaud Vignerons

Wine: Pouilly-Fuissé 1er Cru Les Chevrières

Appellation: Pouilly-Fuissé AOC

Classification: Premier Cru

Vintage: 2023

Style: Dry white wine

Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay

Location: Chaintré, Mâconnais, Burgundy, France

Vineyard: Les Chevrières

Exposure: South-facing

Altitude: Approximately 250 metres

Vine age: Around 60 years

Soil: Shallow Middle Jurassic limestone, with a surface layer of clay rich in iron oxides

Viticulture: Organic

Harvest: Hand-harvested

Vinification: Direct pressing of whole bunches, fermenta