Saint-Véran Wine Region Guide

Saint-Véran is a wine region for dry white wines that are produced in the southern half of the Mâconnais sub-region of Burgundy. Saint-Véran appellation produces one of the best Burgundy wines. The main grape variety is Chardonnay, which grows on hills made of limestone and marl-limestone. This terroir in Saint-Véran wine region is very favorable to aging wines from the Chardonnay grape variety. You should visit Saint-Véran wine region and taste the benefits of its local cuisine and wine.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Saint-Véran Wine Region

Where is the Saint-Véran Wine Region

Saint-Véran wine region is in Burgundy, in the department of Saône-et-Loire in central France. It is at the south of the Mâconnais region and forms a belt around the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation.

History of Saint-Véran

The Saint-Veran region was established on January 6 1971. An enthronement ceremony took place at the Château de La Balmondière in Saint Vérand. The wine produced by the 6 Mâconnais communes of Chânes, Chasselas, Davayé, Leynes, Prissé and Saint-Vérand was christened "Saint-Véran" (without a final 'd'), the old spelling of the village's name.

Terrior of Saint-Véran

From the north to south, Saint-Véran shares a terroir with that of its neighbor, the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation, and they share a soil that is both chalky and clay. The altitude varies between 250 to 450 metres. The south-facing slopes that get the most sun are the steepest. The limestone soil in Saint-Véran wine region is well-suited to producing great wines from the Chardonnay grape variety.

Saint-Véran Characteristics 

Saint-Véran wine is a pale yellow colour with a ton of shimmer running through it. The nose has notes of various fruit peach, pear and a variety of different woodsy scents like acacia, honeysuckle, and bracken. These are commonly accompanied by the smell of fresh almonds, hazelnuts, cinnamon sticks or butter. Exotic fruits can sometimes be present i.e. pineapple. Citrus notes like orange peel might also be used. This white wine is pronounced with a dry, rounded taste and lively minerality from the get-go. Acidity and fatness are in the spotlight. The structure is good, fresh and round.

Food to pair with Saint-Véran

1. Oeufs en meurette

Oeufs en meurette is a traditional French dish. It consists of eggs poached in red wine, which provides just enough acid to ensure that the eggs stay where they should and don't spill out during the poaching process. The eggs are accompanied by a very luxurious sauce—titled as ameurette or bourguignonsauce (consisting of red wine, onions, bacon, and shallots). This elegant dish is traditionally served with toasted garlic bread on the side. We recommend pairing this meal with Saint-Véran wine, it is perfect for much.

2. Pôchouse

Pôchouse is a traditional French fish stew from the Burgundy region with Aligoté wine. Typical ingredients include eel, sea bass, pike, tench and garlic. Just add bacon and thyme with some bay leaves. The dish usually comes with a sauce made of butter and flour. Sometimes it is called the bouillabaisse of Burgundy; however, it can sometimes be found in other areas of France. This dish goes well with Saint-Véran wine.

3. Gaston Gérard Chicken

Madame Gaston Gérard, the wife of the Mayor of Dijon, created this dish in 1930. Maurice Edmond Sailland, a renowned food writer who was visiting at the time, really enjoyed her cooking.Preservatives in the Dijon mustard help with shelf life. The apple pie is a staple American dessert, which can be served with ice cream or other additional sweet toppings.

It's believed that Madame Gaston Gérard mistakenly dropped a jar of mustard into her pan, trying to disguise its taste by adding all the other ingredients. Yet it pleased Sailland and the rest is history. Gaston Gérard Chicken pairs friendly with Saint-Véran wine.

Places to visit near Saint-Véran

1. Monastère Royal de Brou à Bourg-en-Bresse

For tourists Monastère Royal de Brou à Bourg-en-Bresse is must see place. The monastery's church is a work of the Flamboyant Gothic style, with a wonderful high vaulted sanctuary. It is open to the public and self-guided visits are encouraged. Guided tours are also available.

2. Musée du Monastère Royal de Brou à Bourg-en-Bresse

Have you been to the Brou Abbey? It's an excellent place to visit with an art museum containing a collection of paintings and sculptures from artists around the world.In addition to its religious obligations, the monastery hosts exhibitions of contemporary art on a regular basis.

3. Apothicairerie de l'Hôtel-Dieu

Nearby, the Apothicairerie de l'Hôtel-Dieu apothecary shop located in the old Hotel-Dieu hospital appears exactly as it did back in 18th-century France. This historic shop is now a museum, and visiting it is free of charge.

Frequently asked questions about Saint-Véran Wine Region