When you study and write about wines, eventually you get to the point where you feel you have exhausted every possible wine avenue imaginable and there is nothing more to write about. Wrong! A random statement from someone made me realize that I have never written about Pouilly-Fuisse.

French wines are always fun because there is somewhat of a pretentious air about them and novice wine drinkers act as if they know more about French wines than they really do. Case-in-point, someone once told me they could not stand chardonnay but then, in the next breath, raved on about how great Pouilly-Fuissé was. You see it coming; Pouilly-Fuissé IS Chardonnay! (Note to self — write article about Pouilly-Fuissé.)

Actually, Pouilly-Fuissé is an appellation (AOC) for white wine in the Mâconnais sub region of Burgundy in central France. The Pouilly-Fuissé appellation is a composite of the four villages Chaintré, Vergisson, Fuissé and Solutré-Pouilly. The AOC was created in September 1936 and regulates that only chardonnay is used and the grapes must reach a maturity of at least 11.0 per cent potential alcohol.

Typically, Pouilly-Fuissé is a dry white wine that is pale and refreshing. Often quite delicate, it shows a clear oak influence and is famous for its smoky mixture of yellow fruit with more exotic spices and nuts. Pouilly-Fuissé is thought to be inferior to Grand Cru Côte de Beaune Chardonnay, but nonetheless is still excellent.

The wines of Pouilly-Fuissé should not be confused with the sauvignon blanc-based wines of Pouilly-Fumé and the Chasselas-based Pouilly-sur-Loire, both from the area around Pouilly-sur-Loire in the Loire Valley.

Try one:

Louis Jadot 2013 Pouilly-Fuissé

This beautiful wine is partially barrel fermented with six months aging in French oak casks. It has fresh honey and white flower aromas with elegant and rich flavors. Try it with roasted salmon, shellfish or creamy cheeses.

Georges Duboeuf 2012 Pouilly-Fuissé

Duboeuf has long been regarded as one of the top producers within the region and this wine has a beautiful golden-green color with an enticing fragrance of toasted almonds. It has a generous balanced flavor with notes of white peach and pear.

Bouchard Pere & Fils 2013 Pouilly-Fuissé

Pale gold color with green tinted shades, this wine has a characteristic bouquet with a variety of floral notes. It is deliciously round and fruity on the palate and a delicate oaky touch. Try with freshwater fish or pates.