Saint - Bris Wine Region

The well-regarded sub-region of France, Saint-Bris, is known worldwide for its dry white wine with notable elegance and distinction. The region’s quintessential style is set apart from the rest due to its soil types, the selection of grapes, and the specific production methods of winemakers in the area. These elements produce a style of wine, exclusively dry white, found nowhere else in Burgundy or the world, for that matter. We invite you to explore these remarkable wines if you are a white wine lover and start your journey with us.

Find out more about wine tastings and tours in Saint-Bris!

Where is the Saint-Bris wine appellation located?

Saint-Bris wine sub-region is located in the Yonne department, Burgundy region, central France. It is close to the village of Saint-Bris-le-Vineux; the city of Auxerre lies on its Northeast, and the famous Chablis is just a few kilometres away. The appellation stretches 1000 hectares, and its vineyards cover the communes Chitry, Irancy, Quenne, Saint-Bris-le-Vineux and Vincelottes. Burgundy is a big wine region with many divisions and subdivisions; therefore, not all of them border each other. 

The history of the Saint-Bris wine region

The use of vineyards in the Yonne department dates back to the late 19th century, when Paris used to be its primary market. The principal grape variety of the region was Roublot, which no longer exists. By that time, wines from the Saint-Bris area could have been called Chablis before the appellation rules were updated and changed over the years. The wine business in Yonne was largely affected by the introduction of railroads in the 19th century, by which wines from the South of France were transported, and by rampant phylloxera epidemics in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Therefore, almost all vineyards in the region were abandoned. In later years, the Sauvignon Blanc grapes were introduced to the region, which helped it to recover after its collapse and become an independent wine-producing area. In 1974, the Saint-Bris wine sub-region got the VDQS status - Vin Délimité de Qualité Supérieure or the wine region of superior quality and ultimately resulted in becoming an authorized AOC in 2003. 

Saint-Bris wine appellation terroir

The soil in the Saint-bris wine region is alluvial and Jurassic; in some places, it consists of clay and limestone. The ideally situated vines are on the open hillside facing north, so vines can gain their full potential and extract the most fruity flavours from their grapes. The climate is relatively cool compared to the other sub-regions of Burgundy, which is reflected in the unique and crispier taste of wine. And probably explains the fact that there is no Chardonnay produced in the appellation. Let alone that even its Sauvignon Blanc is quite distinctive.

Saint-Bris wine characteristics

Saint-Bris wine sub-region only produces dry white wine solely from Sauvignon Blanc grapes, and it is the only appellation in Burgundy entirely dedicated to this grape variety. Surprisingly, we do not even encounter famous Burgundian Chardonnay there. However, precisely this concentration on one grape variety and winemakers’ meticulous approach makes Saint-Bris wines extraordinary. They are lightly coloured and slightly acidic wines with a fresh mouthfeel and the aromas of citrus. And over ageing, even more flavours emerge, like sweeter fruits such as peaches and lychee as well as preserved fruits; the minimum alcohol content is 12.5%. The grapes undergo slow alcoholic fermentation on fine lees and slow pressing to get the best of the juices. The wines are best consumed young, or a few months old, to feel the freshness and fruitiness at its best. However, Saint-Bris wines also have an ageing potential for up to 2 years. The best serving temperature for them is 10-11 °C. 

Food to pair with Saint-Bris wine

Escargots Bourguignonne

Escargots Bourguignonne is a dish made from Burgundian snails. The dish contains garlic, butter, parsley, and white wine. Escargots Bourguignonne is a classic French dish that has been around for centuries. The traditional preparation of the dish includes cooking the snails in butter and garlic, then adding white wine to deglaze the pan and finish cooking them in it. The dish is typically served with freshly-baked bread to soak up the sauce and a glass of dry white wine.

Pôchouse

The aroma of this traditional dish is heavenly. Pôchouse is a trendy fish stew in France. It’s made with white wine, cream, garlic, thyme and bay leaves. The fish used for this recipe must be sea bass, pike, or tench; they are poached in Aligoté or other regional white wine and then cooked in herbs, garlic, cream, and flour for extra creaminess. This creamy fish stew goes exceptionally well with Saint-Bris white wine.

Gaston Gérard Chicken

The Gaston Gérard Chicken dish is a French dish that consists of chicken, cream, white wine, Dijon mustard, cheese, oil, and butter. It is named after the chef, who was the wife of the mayor of Dijon, and it is believed that the dish was created accidentally by dropping a jar of mustard on the pan and then adding the rest. Although the combination of chicken and Dijon mustard might sound a little weird, this dish is unbelievably flavourful and highly consumed in the region. And it is effortless to prepare as well. First, the cuts of chicken are sautéed in butter and a bit of olive oil, and then the sauce made of Dijon Mustards, white wine and heavy cream is added. The final touch is topping it with a good amount of grated cheese for more abundance, and as it is said, the dish tastes the best when paired with a glass of white wine.

Places to visit in Saint-Bris Wine Region

Church Saint-Prix-et-Saint-Cot

The Church of Saint-Prix-Saint-Cot, built in the 13th century, is one of the most beautiful churches in the department. A monumental mural painted in 1500 AD featuring the Tree of Jesse is a signature part located in the heart of the church.

The Renaissance portal 

The Renaissance portal is a landmark adjoining the building and is listed on the National Register of Historic Monuments. This building is essential to the region’s culture and is impressive sightseeing, quite atypical to other portals or arches. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Saint-Bris Wine Region