It’s official! Starting from the 2024 vintage, four climats in the Pouilly-Loché and Pouilly-Vinzelles appellations will be elevated to Premier Cru status. This marks the culmination of a long process to be recognised by the INAO (National Institute of Origin and Quality), which began in 2006.

While the premier and grand crus of the Côte d’Or have been recognised since 1943, Mâconnais and Côte Chalonnaise had yet to receive such prestigious classifications. Since 2006, significant efforts have been made by the local winemakers, in collaboration with the INAO, to showcase the exceptional quality of their terroirs. Renown, plot usage and features (geological survey), historical background, pricing and many other criteria were closely scrutinised throughout the process.

On 18th November, the French Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry officially signed off on the production specifications for these new premier crus,  which will be proudly displayed on labels starting with the 2024 vintage. The new classified climats:

Pouilly-Loché (32 hectares)

• Les Mûres Premier Cru (7.09 ha)

Pouilly-Vinzelles (60 hectares)

• Les Quarts Premier Cru (12.45 ha)
• Les Pétaux Premier Cru (2.76 ha)
• Les Longeays Premier Cru (7.50 ha)

Pouilly-Loché and Pouilly-Vinzelles Top Picks

It is worth noting that the Pouilly-Loché and Pouilly-Vinzelles appellations are significantly smaller than their prestigious neighbour, Pouilly-Fuissé, which covers nearly 800 hectares. In fact, it was Pouilly-Fuissé that led the way with the first Mâconnais Premier Cru status, with the 2022 vintage. The premier crus specifications for Pouilly-Loché and Pouilly-Vinzelles are closely modelled on those of Pouilly-Fuissé: no herbicides allowed, mandatory manual harvests, yield limitation to 58 hl/ha, minimum ageing until 1st July of the year following the harvest (wines can be marketed from 15th July), at least three-year fallow period between vine removal and replanting, minimum alcohol content of 12%, etc.

If you’re looking to explore some of the top wines from these newly classified regions, be sure to try  La Soufrandière (Bret Brothers). Their cuvées Les Longeays and Les Quarts have already been impressing wine lovers for a few years… and will proudly carry the Premier Cru designation on the 2024 vintage. A well-earned recognition for wines definitely worth seeking out!