Mâcon is the generic regional appellation for red, white and rosé wines from across the Mâconnais sub-region of southern Burgundy. In contrast to location- specific appellations like Pouilly-Fuissé, Mâcon AOC wines are representative of a particular quality level, rather than a particular terroir. Because many wines made in the Mâcon vineyard zone qualify for a range of other higher level appellations, the proportion of Mâconnais wines whose labels actually read simply “Mâcon” is relatively small.

Mâcon has historically been most famous for its red wines. During the 20th century, however, white wine production accelerated dramatically and now represents around 86 percent of over 3800 hectares (9400 acres) of vines which qualify for one of the Mâcon appellations. All white wines from an appellation including the word “Mâcon” are produced exclusively from the core Burgundian white grape variety Chardonnay.