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Pouilly-Vinzelles is an appellation of the Maconnais sub-region of Burgundy. Despite its name, the appellation does not cover wines made in the hamlet of Pouilly; rather, it is centered around the neighboring communes of Vinzelles and Loche. The title has been adopted for its association with the prestigious Pouilly-Fuisse appellation. Loche has its own title, Pouilly-Loche, which uses the Pouilly name in the same way – even though the appellation does not cover wines made in Pouilly.
The communes of Vinzelles and Loche are located just to the west of Macon town, at the southern end of Burgundy. Vinzelles is famous for its two chateaux, which lie almost adjacent to one another. The older of the two dates back to the 11th century, while the second – more modern – building currently houses a winery producing wine from the surrounding vineyards.
Both Vinzelles and Loche are situated at the south-eastern corner of an area of limestone hills; the best vineyards of the Pouilly appellations are planted on these slopes. The climate is moderate and of continental type, with a warmer summer and a much lower risk of spring frosts than Chablis, at the opposite end of Burgundy.
The wines of Pouilly-Vinzelles, like those of its immediate neighbors, are dry whites made exclusively from the Chardonnay grape variety. They are similar in style to the archetypal white Burgundy – lightly fruity with subtle mineral undertones – and are generally aged in oak.
