Saint Chinian Wine Region

The Saint-Chinian wine area is one of 36 subregions of France's Languedoc Roussillon wine region. The region is well-known for its strong red wines, but it also produces wines of a different character. The appellation is separated from the Montagne Noire by the "Saint Chinian chain," which is controlled by the Caroux and Espinouse massifs but accessible to the Béziers plain. The region was granted AOC protection for red wines in 1982 and for white wines in 2004. The region's topography is harsh and steep, creating a difficulty for viticulture that is compensated by the region's high-quality wines.

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Where is the Saint-Chinian wine region?

Saint-Chinian is a prominent wine-growing zone in the south of France, located between Minervois and Faugeres and bordering Muscat de Saint Jean de Minervois. The region is located on the western edge of the considerably larger Languedoc-Rousillon wine region. Vineyards can be found in and around the village of Saint-Chinian, from which the term was derived. Approximately 20 villages produce wines under the Saint Chinian label, which is further subdivided into two sub-appellations, Saint Chinian-Berlou and Saint Chinian-Roquebrun. The wine area is only 260 kilometers west of Marseille, 100 kilometers southwest of Montpellier, 160 kilometers east of Toulouse, and 395 kilometers south of Lyon.

History of the Saint-Chinian wine region

The Saint Chinian wine region has a lengthy history of viticulture and winemaking that dates back to the 8th century. The Benedictine monks are reported to have planted the vines in 794AD. The vines were planted around the abbey on the Vernazobres' left bank. Saint Chinian wines made an impression on aristocrats, royals, and wine connoisseurs as early as the 14th century. These wines were often provided to patients in Parisian hospitals as sick wine for fortification. In the 1300s, as in many other locations, conflict erupted between monks and vintners because the monasteries refused to share their production with locals. The war lasted 200 years and was eventually won by quality-conscious vintners. The region was also the victim of the phylloxera infestation during the 19th century. The wine growers overcame this epidemic and maintained wine culture. 

The terroir and geography of the Saint-Chinian wine region

Saint-Chinian is a mountainous location with steep cliffs all around. The wine area is located between Beziers and Saint Pons de Thomieres on the slopes of Massif Central. The Saint Chinian wine area is separated into two zones: north and south. The northern region is schist, while the southern area is clayey and chalky. Because the region is only 33 kilometers inland from the southern French coast, the climate is largely Mediterranean. Long, scorching summers and mild, chilly winters benefit the region. The northern vintners employ a goblet system, while the southern vintners use a training system.

Popular grape varieties from the Saint-Chinian wine region

Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Llendoner Pelut, Mourvedre, and Syrah are the main grape varieties grown in the Saint-Chinian wine region.

Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, Grenache Noir, Mazuelo, Vermentino, Bourboulenc, Carignan Blanc, Clairette, Macabeo, and Viognier are among the other grape varieties produced in the region.

Food to pair with Saint-Chinian wine 

Lasagne alla Bolognese

In this rich and substantial piatto unico, layers of handmade, frequently spinach-flavored fresh egg lasagna noodles are layered with béchamel sauce and ragù alla Bolognese, a thick beef sauce.

Lasagne alla Bolognese is liberally coated with Parmigiano-Reggiano, the Emilian king of cheeses, before baking till soft on the inside and crisp on top. This oven-baked classic is popular in Emilia-Romagna, particularly in Bologna. This dish has grown in popularity over time and has become a global emblem of Italian cuisine. This mild dish complements Saint-Chinian wines.

Portobello mushrooms

Portobello mushroom is the same as white button mushroom, except it is older. When compared to younger white mushrooms, these mushrooms are brown and huge.

Portobello mushrooms are coated with the marinade, oil, and spices on both sides before grilling the cap side down until slightly charred. Lemon juice, cheese, or vinaigrette are frequently added to the dish. These portobello mushrooms have meaty characteristics which go very well with robust Saint Chinian wines.

Selles-sur-Cher

Selles-sur-Cher is a crumbly cheese made from full-fat goat's milk and sprinkled with wood ash to create a characteristic rind with a strong minerality. The term 'Selles' refers to the cheese's disk form. This cheese is made in Western Sologne, which encompasses the Cher region of France. The texture is similar to damp clay, while the flavor is salty, goaty, nutty, and grassy. The nutty flavor becomes more noticeable as it ripens. Eating the rind with the cheese imparts a more pungent, harsher flavor due to the ash residue and mold.

It goes well with Saint-Chinian robust rose wines, as do most goat cheeses.

Places to visit in the Saint-Chinian wine region

Pepiniere Jeanne Horticulture

Pepiniere Jeanne Horticulture is located in Saint Chinian, France, and is recognized as a remarkable nursery. The nursery is situated across 4 hectares and is located at the foot of the Cevennes and the Caroux, between Narbonne and Beziers. Almost any plant on the planet may be found in the nursery. In the nursery, all work is done by hand, including cutting, transplanting, and weeding. The nursery is available to the public, and visitors can make purchases here.

Frequently asked questions about Saint-Chinian