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Thanks to its diverse soils, the winemakers of the appellation are able to offer wines in various styles, ranging from sensual and fruity cuvées to more structured wines that will only reach their peak after a few years of aging.
So, without further ado, let's dive together into the history, terroirs, and wine treasures that make this appellation a true gem you must have in your cellar.Happy reading !
History of the AOC Saint-Amour
The wine history of Saint-Amour begins at the start of our era with the Romans. At that time, Beaujolais was indeed part of Roman Gaul, and vine cultivation was encouraged for economic and religious reasons.
The name of the appellation would date back to this same period, during which a Roman legionnaire named Amor retired from military service and settled in the region. Upon his death, the village of Saint-Amour was named in his honor.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, vine cultivation continued to develop in the region under the influence of monks. In the Middle Ages, Cistercian and Benedictine monks indeed played a key role in preserving and improving viticultural techniques. They had, for example, already understood the importance of terroir and selected the best plots of land for viticulture.
During the Renaissance, the wines of Saint-Amour began to be structured into true wine estates. The proximity to Burgundy, and especially to the major cities of Lyon and Mâcon, also favored the commercialization of the region's wines.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, the wines of Saint-Amour were highly prized by royal courts and the French nobility. However, despite their growing notoriety, the wines from the vineyard were often mixed with those from other Beaujolais terroirs.
In the 19th century, like many other vineyards in France, Saint-Amour was devastated by the phylloxera crisis. This parasite, which attacks the roots of the vine, endangered the entire local viticulture. The winemakers of Saint-Amour, like elsewhere, had to uproot their vines and replant grafted plants on American rootstocks resistant to the disease.
Finally, the 20th century marks a crucial stage in the history of Saint-Amour.In 1946, the AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) was officially created, thus marking the specificity of the region's terroir and viticultural practices. In the decades that followed, Saint-Amour continued to gain recognition, notably thanks to its romantic name, which still makes it a particularly popular wine for Valentine's Day.
Today, Saint-Amour is one of the 10 crus of Beaujolais and continues to be one of the region's emblematic appellations. With an area of about 320 hectares, its terroirs allow for the production of cuvées distinguished by their finesse but also by their diversity of styles.
Let's now explore the terroirs of this magnificent appellation!
Climate and terroirs of the AOC Saint-Amour
Although relatively small, the AOC Saint-Amour boasts an impressive diversity of terroirs.
Located between 250 and 350 meters above sea level, the vineyards of the appellation benefit from an ideal exposure, often facing east and southeast, ensuring optimal sunlight. The harvesting of grapes, winemaking, and production of wines are also carried out within the territory of the single commune of Saint-Amour-Bellevue.
The soils of the appellation are predominantly clay-siliceous with a granitic subsoil, a combination that allows the Gamay noir with white juice, the emblematic grape variety of Beaujolais, to express all its finesse. On these lands, the variety indeed takes on a particular dimension, offering wines that are sometimes light and fruity, sometimes more structured.
Finally, the Saint-Amour vineyard benefits from a semi-continental climate with Mediterranean and oceanic influences, characteristic of the northern part of Beaujolais. The seasonal contrasts thus allow the production of wines combining freshness, fruitiness, and structure.The hot summers ensure good phenolic maturity of the grapes, while the cold winters and temperature variations help preserve acidity.
Let's now tackle the crux of the matter : the wines of the appellation !
Gamay vines on the AOC Saint-Amour
The wines of the AOC Saint-Amour
Although exclusively from the Gamay grape variety, the wines of Saint-Amour exhibit a beautiful diversity of styles. This variety is due, as we have seen, to the richness of the terroirs, but also to the practices of the winemakers. Thus, two main types of wine generally emerge within the appellation.
On one side, you have wines with a light and fruity profile, full of freshness. These wines, with aromas of raspberry and cherry, often reveal a floral touch of peony, all in a bright ruby robe. These cuvées are to be enjoyed in their youth and pair wonderfully with an aperitif or a light meal.
On the other side, you have more structured and tannic wines. These wines present an intense robe with purple reflections and can express aromas of kirsch and spices. For this type of wine, it is necessary to wait a few years if you wish to enjoy them at their peak.
In short, Saint-Amour can be a wine that is accessible both in its youth and after a few years of aging, depending primarily on its terroir of origin and the choices made by the winemaker !
Saint-Amour: a name symbolizing romance
What to eat with a Saint-Amour?
So, what to pair with the delicious wines of Saint-Amour? Thanks to their fruity aromas and beautiful acidity, the wines from this appellation actually pair with a wide variety of dishes.
Here are some ideas to enhance your Saint-Amour throughout your meal !
As an aperitif
Start your evening with appetizer bites that will perfectly complement a Saint-Amour with fruit and freshness. Imagine here a homemade terrine or a delicately seasoned pâté en croûte. Crispy ham croquettes also add a touch of indulgence that pairs perfectly with the freshness of the wine. An onion tart, with its sweet and savory notes, can also create a delicious contrast with the flavors of Saint-Amour.
Of course, a beautiful charcuterie board (sausage, cured ham, rillette, etc.) will also be a must.
The dishes
Let's now move on to the main course. Here, roasted poultry is an excellent option to accompany a more structured Saint-Amour. Braised pork cheeks, with their tender texture, or a filet mignon with shallots, also pair wonderfully with the finesse and structure of this type of wine.
You can also try pairing it with slow-cooked dishes like a beef bourguignon or a mushroom risotto…a delight !
Wine from the AOC Saint-Amour and beef bourguignon: a gourmet harmony
Cheeses
Although it is generally preferable to pair cheeses with white wine (tannins react poorly with milk proteins), some pairings are nevertheless possible. For this, opt for supple and young vintages or older crus with polished tannins.
Try pairing it with an aged Comté, Saint-Nectaire, Reblochon, or even Époisses !
To fully appreciate all these potential pairings, we recommend serving your Saint-Amour slightly chilled, between 14 and 16°C. This temperature will reveal the complexity as well as the refinement of your wine, while preserving its freshness.
What are the best wines of the AOC Saint-Amour?
Among the many producers of the appellation, some stand out for their expertise and the quality of their wines.
One of the estates not to be missed is undoubtedly the Cheveau estate.This family-owned property, although located in Burgundy within the AOC Pouilly-Fuissé, produces a delightful Saint-Amour between finesse and structure. It can certainly be enjoyed in its youth, but a few years of aging will give it even more depth at the time of tasting. We warmly recommend it to you !
We hope this article has captivated you as much as it did us while writing it, and that you now have an in-depth knowledge of AOC Saint-Amour ! So, ready to expand your cellar? Visit our website
