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Episode 71 – Wine Laws of Burgundy: Côte Chalonnaise & Mâconnais

In this episode of the Wine Educate Podcast, we conclude our Burgundy wine law series with two often-overlooked but fascinating regions: the Côte Chalonnaise and the Mâconnais. These southern Burgundy appellations may not always command the same prestige as the Côte d’Or, but they deliver remarkable value and unique expressions of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

We’ll cover:

• The geography and elevation of the Côte Chalonnaise and how it impacts ripening and wine style.

• Notable appellations including Rully, Mercurey, Givry, Montagny, and Bouzeron (yes, it’s as fun to say as it sounds).

• How wines from these regions compare to their Côte d’Or neighbors—sometimes lighter, sometimes rustic, but often great value.

• The history and expansion of the Mâconnais, where Chardonnay dominates, Gamay sneaks in, and rolling hills create diversity in vineyard conditions.

• Key appellations such as Mâcon-Villages, Saint-Véran, and the star of the region: Pouilly-Fuissé, which gained Premier Cru status as recently as 2020.

• Why these regions represent “sneaky deals” for wine students and enthusiasts alike.

As always, I connect these details back to the WSET Level 3 framework so you’ll know exactly what to focus on for exam preparation.

Next week, by popular request, we begin exploring the wine laws of Northern Italy, starting with Piedmont.