Saint-Amour

Saint-Amour is the most northerly located of the Beaujolais Cru, positioned just south of the Mconnais regions of Pouilly-Fuissé and Saint-Vran. It is also the second smallest, with only Chenas to the south having less area under vine.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Saint-Amour!

History of Saint-Amour Wine Region

The Saint-Amour appellation is named after the Saint-Amour-Bellevue commune. This commune in turn takes its name from a Roman soldier who converted to Christianity. He supposedly established a monastery in the area and was later canonized as Saint Amateur. 

Read more about Saint-Amour wine in our blog - Perfect treat for Valentine's Day

Terroir Saint-Amour Wine Region

Saint-Amour is the most northerly located of the Beaujolais Cru, positioned just south of the Mconnais regions of Pouilly-Fuiss and Saint-Vran. It is also the second smallest, with only Chenas to the south having less area under vine.

The Character of Saint-Amour Wine

Saint-Amour wine tasting is intoxicating, powerful and seductive. The Saint-Amour grape evokes the fruit and the flower, delighting all five senses with its fine elegant tannins and a lovely colour of velvet crimson red. Gamay wines from Saint-Amour are less robust than many of their neighbours, but they have a bright ruby colour and taste great. You'll also find subtle spice, peach and floral notes. Wines taste better when consumed within the first few years, but many wines can be aged for decades. 

Food to Pair with Saint-Amour Wine

There are two styles of wines from St. Amour that people like a lot. This first wine is light and elegant with an aroma of cooked strawberries and cassis. On the nose, you can feel some smoke, pepper, and coca. This style of Saint-Amour can be aged for at least 4 years. The second style of St. Amour is light, and fruity, and has floral notes of peony and peppery spice. The optimum time to enjoy this wine is within the next 12 months.

Whatever style you choose, St. Amour Beaujolais is perfect for a romantic picnic getaway with some turkey, tuna, or egg salad sandwiches, along with brie and camembert cheese or even potato salad. If it’s Valentine’s Day and you want to spend some time at home, feel free to order some sushi, or Indian curry so you can enjoy a romantic night in.

Places to visit in Saint-Amour Wine Region

Eglise Saint Viator de Saint-Amour

The church of Saint-Amour is protected as a historic monument and dedicated to Saint Amator and Saint Viator. It has a diverse architecture dating from different periods of construction. The church's choir dates back to the 15th century, though most of its choir is from the 16th and 18th centuries. Located near the belfry, the Comtois Tower has a height of 48 meters. It's crowned with a bell tower. The inside contains plenty of stained glass windows, sculptures and marble work. You can see many optical illusions there as well.

Apothecary

These 17th-century furnishings are a surprise to many since they are typically what people envision as European fare. Established outside the city walls in 1620, this convent was initially home to Capuchin monks up until 1792. The chapel and cloister are already there on the original plans. In 1822, the Hôtel-Dieu was transferred to this former convent. Then the scientists used this treatment to rule out great diseases for more than 100 years. 

The apothecary is a centuries-old pharmacy that specializes in natural remedies and treatments. It's been around for many years and was based out of two sites in the city for periods of time. Luckily, it moved into an 18th-century wing a few years back to make room for some new, modern features. The room was huge, with a wide array of colours and intricate designs. The mansion has a collection of over 300 pots that date back to the 16th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Theriac pots, pillboxes, pillboxes, cannon jars and glass jars. A small room, which contains furniture dating back to the first hospital (13th century) and a precious collection of pewter tableware.

Anciennes Prisons Royales

A first-of-its-kind visit: it's both a museum and a monument with an interesting history! Under Louis XIV, Franche Comté was a province conducive to smuggling. A salt tax was created, named the gabelle, to offset the illicit trade in this commodity. Completed in 1741, this building has dual functions: auditorium and prison. Lons-le-Saunier to Bourg-en-Bresse on foot is about 40 km, and it's difficult to find a more isolated place. For these reasons, prisoners were kept in the old establishment of Lons le Saunier during their transfer. The building was decommissioned in 1869 but left in an authentic state since.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Saint-Amour Wine Region