TONGHAM TASTER'S GUIDE TO THE WINES OF MACON AND BEAUJOLAIS

MACON APPELLATIONS
Mainly white Chardonnay wines but also some reds made of Gamay and/or Pinot Noir (reds not normally worth buying in my opinion)
Macon
A basic Burgundy and not normally good value.
Macon Supérieur
The same as above but with higher alcoholic content.
Macon Villages
Wine produced by 43 of the best villages in Macon. Can be excellent.
Macon - Named Village
Similar to above but the village's name is shown on the bottle. Examples: Macon-Lugny, Macon-Prissé, Macon Charmes etc.
Saint Véran
A white wine producing area overlapping Macon and Beaujolais, the quality is often good, can be good value, normally unoaked.
Viré-Clessé
Relatively new appellation created out of 2 of Macon's best villages. One of my favourites for value and quality.
Pouilly-Fuissé Satellites
Villages surrounding Pouilly-Fuissé producing wines similar to all but the very best Pouilly-Fuissé. Examples: Pouilly-Vinzelles, Pouilly-Loche etc.
Pouilly-Fuissé
A world-renowned name and thus tends to be pricy and not such good value. However, there are some lovely wines if you get a recommended producer (Cordier, Ferret, Saumaize, Valette & Verget amongst others).

BEAUJOLAIS APPELLATIONS
Mainly light red wines made out of Gamay grapes but some whites and rosés (all of which can be interesting).
Beaujolais Primeur or Nouveau
Wines sold and drunk very young and that become available on the third Thursday of November. A fun party drink to be served quite cold.
Beaujolais
The basic Beaujolais - a mix of quality and value.
Beaujolais Supérieur
The same as above but with higher alcoholic content.
Beaujolais Villages
Wines produced by 38 northern communes - can be good quality and value.
Beaujolais - Named Village
Similar to above but with village name e.g. Beaujolais Lancie.
Brouilly
The largest of the Beaujolais Crus. Normally light and can be good value.
Chiroubles
Probably the Beaujolais Cru that tastes most like Beaujolais. Quite light and can be fruity, flowery and delicious.
Regnié
The newest Beaujolais Cru. Normally supple and fruity but can sometimes be fuller bodied. One to try.
Côte de Brouilly
Can be dark, concentrated and structured. Often a good buy.
Fleurie
Nice gentle wine with floral aromas. Often worth buying.
Saint Amour
Light and supple wines. Being on the border with Macon it can have similar characteristics to their reds - not one of my favourites but still popular.
Chénas
The smallest Cru. Fruity, floral but also woody aromas and flavour.
Juliénas
Gentle but with fruit and spice. Can be one of my favourites.
Morgon
Slightly more fuller bodied wines but still heavily fruity.
Moulin à Vent
The King of Beaujolais wines. Some can be very different once aged. In general have more body and richness but are still very fresh.