The Mâconnais wine region in Southern Burgundy is centred on the provincial town of Mâcon, from which it takes its name. The region produces a considerable amount of wine, specializing in white wines made from Chardonnay and a smaller number of red wines made from Pinot Noir and Gamay.
Unlike the Côte d'Or to the North, where a band of densely planted vines runs roughly north-south across the countryside, the vineyards of the Mâconnais are more sparsely planted and interspersed with land devoted to other forms of agriculture. The landscape here is made up of rolling limestone hills, bordered to the east by the Saône River, which flows south to join the Rhône just outside Lyon.
The Climate of the Mâconnais shows signs of its proximity to the Rhône valley, with higher than average temperatures, lower rainfall and - perhaps most importantly - less risk of vine-damaging spring frosts.
The southern end of the Mâconnais slightly overlaps the northern boundary of Beaujolais - itself officially Part of the Burgundy wine region, but often treated as a separate region.
The title Mâcon covers white, red and rosé wines from the entire region. A number of communes within the appellation's catchment area have been recognized as sources of premium wines and may add their names to the appellation; for example, Mâcon Lugny.
Pinot noir is an important red grape variety in Burgundy and Champagne, and its reputation is well known! Great wines such as the Domaine de la Romanée Conti elaborate their wines from this famous grape variety, and make it a great variety. When properly vinified, pinot noit produces red wines of great finesse, with a wide range of aromas depending on its advancement (fruit, undergrowth, leather). it is also the only red grape variety authorized in Alsace. Pinot Noir is not easily cultivated beyond our borders, although it has enjoyed some success in Oregon, the United States, Australia and New Zealand.
red wines from the region of Mâconnais go well with generally quite well with dishes of beef, veal or game (deer, venison) such as recipes of delicious bourguignon, shoulder of lamb stuffed with cognac or leg of wild boar.
On the nose in the region of Mâconnais often reveals types of flavors of cherry, floral or blackberry and sometimes also flavors of red cherry, pepper or banana. In the mouth in the region of Mâconnais is a with a nice freshness.
In line with our previous videos « The Climats of Chablis seen from the sky » and « The vineyards of Bourgogne, seen from the sky » », the Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB) and the Union des Producteurs de Vins de Mâcon offer you a new stroll at the heart of the Mâcon terroir. Established in 1937, this Régionale appellation is divided into three levels: – The first level is known as white, red or rosé Mâcon. The grapes used can come from all around the Mâconnais. – The second level is name ...
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There are going to be some utterly splendid wines to taste at our New York Fine Wine Encounter – many of the world’s grandest winemakers have brought some of their very best bottles to our event, knowing their hard work and talent will be appreciated by a discerning audience. My team of experts have picked out a great selection of their personal favourites from the wines on offer, and for their superbly detailed analysis and opinion, you should read the pieces and the picks from Georgie Hindle, ...
