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Mâcon

Burgundy

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Mâconnais

The large southern gateway to Burgundy, producing generous, sunny Chardonnay and some Pinot Noir. Mâcon is where Burgundy feels its most relaxed and approachable, a wonderful region for discovering easy-going, everyday whites.

The wines of Mâcon are made primarily from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gamay.

179–519 m

Elevation range

75 Vineyards

Avg. slope 6.8°

Vineyard Map

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Add Mâcon to your Discoveries. When you taste one, you can tick it off.

Terroir & Character

Climate

The southernmost location in Burgundy creates a noticeably warmer, more Mediterranean-influenced climate with earlier ripening than northern Burgundian appellations. Protection from the Massif Central and exposure to southern influences results in more sunshine hours and reduced frost risk.

Terroir

LimestoneClay

The Mâcon appellation sits on Jurassic limestone bedrock from the Bathonian and Bajocian periods, rich in marine fossils including belemnites and brachiopods. Clay-limestone soils overlie this bedrock, with varying clay content that provides good water retention while the underlying limestone ensures excellent drainage, allowing roots to penetrate deep into fissured rock.

Typical Aromas

white peachcitruswhite flowerslight mineral
Explore the aroma wheel

Notable Producers

Domaine Lafon (Macon)Comtes Lafon's Macon project, pure Chardonnay
Guillemot-MichelBiodynamic Macon-Clesse, Quintaine

Grapes of Mâcon

Pinot Noir

Red
Body
Tannins
Sweetness
Acidity
strawberryraspberryred cherryviolet

The benchmark Pinot Noir. Côte de Nuits leans structured and dark-cherried, Côte de Beaune turns perfumed and supple, both ageing into forest floor and truffle.

Chardonnay

White
Body
Sweetness
Acidity
green applelemonpearnectarine

Chardonnay's homeland. Chablis stays steely and citrus-driven, the Côte de Beaune turns rich and hazelnutty, the Mâconnais sits comfortably between.

Gamay

Red
Body
Tannins
Sweetness
Acidity
raspberryred cherryplumcranberry

Bourgogne Gamay and Passetoutgrain blends. Lighter, simpler than Beaujolais crus.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mâcon known for?▼
Mâcon is known for producing generous, sunny Chardonnay wines that are approachable and easy-going. It serves as the southern gateway to Burgundy and is famous for everyday drinking whites that showcase the relaxed side of the region.
What does Mâcon wine taste like?▼
Mâcon wines are characterized by their generous, sunny character with approachable fruit flavors. The Chardonnays tend to be fresh and accessible, reflecting the warmer southern climate of Burgundy without the intensity of more northern appellations.
What grapes are grown in Mâcon?▼
Mâcon primarily grows Chardonnay, which is the dominant grape variety producing the region's signature white wines. Some Pinot Noir is also cultivated, though in much smaller quantities.
What makes Mâcon different from its neighbors?▼
Mâcon feels more relaxed and approachable compared to other Burgundy regions, producing wines that are less intense and more accessible. The southern location brings a sunnier, warmer climate that creates more generous fruit character than the prestigious but austere northern appellations.
What soil types are found in Mâcon?▼
Mâcon's vineyards are planted on limestone and clay soils. This combination provides good drainage from the limestone while the clay retains moisture, creating ideal conditions for Chardonnay cultivation.

Map data: INAO, Cadastre, manual adjustments · Imagery: Sentinel-2 cloudless by EOX IT Services GmbH (CC BY 4.0)