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The history of the Saint-Amour AOC is rooted in a long timeline, at the heart of a region where the vine has held a central place for centuries. Located in Beaujolais, between Burgundy to the north and Lyonnais further south, this vineyard benefited early on from a strategic position, at the crossroads of major trade routes. From the earliest centuries, monks and winegrowers recognized the potential of the granite and clay soils, ideal for producing fine and elegant red wines.
Saint-Amour is mentioned in several ancient writings, attesting to the existence of estates where Gamay was cultivated as early as the Middle Ages. This grape variety, now inseparable from the region, gradually established itself on the best-exposed hillsides of Beaujolais, encouraged by local lordships and religious institutions. However, be aware that at that time, the term "Saint-Amour" was not yet specifically used to define a particular cru, as the grapes were often blended with those from neighboring vineyards.
Then, century after century, and despite agricultural changes as well as periods of crisis, the reputation of Saint-Amour continued to grow. Over time, the identity of the cru has remained true to itself: an expressive Gamay red wine, indulgent and capable of faithfully reflecting the diversity of Beaujolais terroirs. Finally, in 1946, the official recognition of Saint-Amour as an AOC crowned the long-standing efforts of local winegrowers and enhanced the region's reputation.
Today, thanks to its historical heritage, the expertise passed down, and the richness of its terroirs, Saint-Amour is considered one of the major crus of Beaujolais.
The Saint-Amour AOC owes its unique character to a rich and contrasting terroir, located between Burgundy and Lyonnais. This privileged geographical position offers the vines an ideal environment where Gamay, the flagship grape variety of the appellation, can express all its finesse. The estates of Saint-Amour also benefit from a set of favorable natural conditions, giving rise to red wines with a beautiful personality.
The terroir of Saint-Amour is based on a mosaic of soils composed mainly of granite, schist, and clay. The plots located on granitic soils often give rise to elegant and airy wines, marked by beautiful freshness and red fruit aromas. Conversely, the more clayey or schistose areas allow Gamay to develop greater concentration, resulting in denser, deeper, and spicier cuvées.
This diversity of soils explains why the wines of Saint-Amour offer such a wide range of styles, from the most charming to the most structured.
Within the Saint-Amour AOC, the semi-continental climate is a major characteristic that directly influences the style of the wines. This results in cold winters, hot summers, and significant temperature differences between day and night: conditions that are particularly beneficial for the ripening of Gamay.
The continental influence indeed promotes gradual ripening of the grapes, allowing for a beautiful acidity to be preserved while achieving full phenolic maturity.Sunny summers here ensure a beautiful aromatic richness and a fine aromatic concentration, while cooler nights preserve the freshness and finesse of the wines. The Beaujolais hills also offer natural protection, limiting extreme climatic variations and contributing to the balance of the grapes.
This semi-continental climate thus explains the dual identity of Saint-Amour: wines that can be both indulgent and accessible in their youth, but also more structured and deep on certain plots, sometimes with great aging potential.
The Saint-Amour AOC stands out for a plurality of styles that reflect the richness of its vineyards, the diversity of its soils, and the talent of the estates that work daily to produce expressive red wines. Although Gamay is the only grape variety allowed in the appellation, it is expressed here in two main ways, offering enthusiasts a true aromatic palette.
The first expression of Saint-Amour red wine that comes to mind is the most emblematic and charming: a tender, light, and supple style, dominated by aromas of small red fruits.These cuvées reveal a fine, delicate palate, sometimes slightly floral, with a freshness that appeals to both connoisseurs and curious enthusiasts.
This type of wine is often associated with the romantic image of the vintage: love in a bottle, ideal for accompanying the simple moments of everyday life. Sandier or granitic soils encourage this elegant profile, which is generally typical of Beaujolais wines.
In contrast to the simple, indulgent and fruity image of the appellation, some estates in the village of Saint-Amour-Bellevue choose to vinify more ambitious cuvées. Sourced from better-exposed plots or old vines, these latter wines then display a more pronounced tannic structure.Typically, these red wines develop notes of black fruits, sweet spices and sometimes a hint of licorice. Their depth and intensity then fully reflect the complexity of the appellation, which lies between the influences of Burgundy and Lyonnais.
This richer style allows Saint-Amour to position itself among the most versatile wines of the region, capable of accompanying both refined dishes and more generous, powerful meals.
Recognized as one of the most seductive crus of Beaujolais, Saint-Amour offers an interesting versatility making this delicious red wine rather easy to pair.Thanks to the finesse of Gamay, the emblematic grape variety of the appellation, the wines of the AOC Saint-Amour can indeed adapt to a great variety of dishes, from light meals to more robust recipes. Its elegant structure, marked by freshness and suppleness, makes it a valuable ally to enhance cuisine inspired by both Burgundy and Lyonnais traditions.
The lightest cuvées of the Saint-Amour AOC reveal red fruit aromas that can beautifully accompany a charcuterie board, a roast poultry, dishes from traditional Lyonnaise cuisine, or even certain fish, such as pike-perch or pike, whose delicate flesh harmonizes with the freshness of the wine,
In these pairings, the red wine enhances the flavors without ever overpowering them.
The deeper and more structured cuvées, often from old vines or sunnier terroirs, show a different side from the "classic" Saint-Amour. Their aromatic richness and tannic structure allow them to pair with a grilled beef steak, a duck breast or even a slow-cooked dish in sauce.
In this category, Saint-Amour red wine reveals its ability to rival some of the finest wines from Burgundy or the Rhône Valley, while maintaining the typical identity of Beaujolais: a balance between fruit, intensity, and freshness.
The Saint-Amour vineyard is full of must-know estates, each bringing its own vision of the cru, thus enriching the diversity of wines in the appellation. Among the names contributing to the reputation of Saint-Amour are producers such as Château de la Pirolette and Domaine de Bellevue, both appreciated for the finesse and true expression of their Gamay. Nevertheless, at La Cave Éclairée, we like to highlight the Saint-Amour from Domaine Cheveau, which develops an elegant and easy-drinking fruitiness that works wonders as an aperitif or with poultry.
Domaine Cheveau is actually a family-run Burgundy estate, mainly renowned for its Pouilly-Fuissé wines in the Mâconnais (Southern Burgundy). It is thus mainly appreciated for its powerful and elegant cuvées made from Chardonnay. Interestingly, Domaine Cheveau also produces a wine under the Saint-Amour appellation, which may come as a surprise since the latter is located in Beaujolais, north of Mâconnais. This is explained by the structure of the estate, which also owns a small vineyard outside its region of origin, thus allowing the family expertise to be expressed on different terroirs.
In order to preserve all the aromatic finesse and delicacy of your bottle of Saint-Amour, it is essential to follow a few simple storage rules.
Your bottles must be stored in a stable environment, protected from light and temperature fluctuations. A cool cellar oscillating around 12-14°C, humid and well-ventilated, is ideal to allow the wine to evolve harmoniously.
Saint-Amour, appreciated for its freshness and charming fruitiness, can be perfectly enjoyed young. Nevertheless, some more structured and tannic cuvées gain elegance after a few years of rest. By storing your bottles lying down, you ensure constant contact between the wine and the cork, thus preventing the latter from drying out and preserving its natural seal.
A dark, humid, and cool space therefore provides sufficient protection to maintain the quality of your Saint-Amour over time. By following these few recommendations, you can be almost certain to enjoy an excellent red wine at its peak, ready to reveal all the nuances that have made this emblematic Beaujolais appellation so renowned!
With its evocative name, Saint-Amour naturally embodies sweetness and emotion, making this vintage one of the most iconic red wines of Beaujolais.Its style, both delicate and expressive, perfectly matches many moments of sharing, whether it is a romantic dinner, a gourmet meal, or a convivial moment among fine wine enthusiasts.
With its seductive profile, Saint-Amour naturally finds its place during romantic dinners for two. Whether it is to celebrate Valentine's Day, a wedding anniversary, or an intimate meal, this noble red wine made from Gamay alone symbolizes love. Its elegance, silky texture, and fresh red fruit aromas perfectly accompany moments of sharing, which explains why it is regularly highlighted by wine magazines (Hachette guide, RVF guide, etc.).
Beyond the romantic sphere, Saint-Amour can also find its place perfectly during major celebrations such as a wedding, a family gathering, or an elegant reception.
Its versatility allows it to accompany a multitude of dishes. The more structured cuvées, often from old vines or better-exposed terroirs, will bring a more gastronomic dimension that will enhance meals.
Above all, Saint-Amour remains an accessible and convivial red wine. It therefore perfectly complements a simple and tasty meal with friends, an impromptu lunch, or an evening where you want to share a good time without excessive sophistication.
Its freshness and its roudness allow it to be served with both light dishes and traditional recipes from Beaujolais or Lyon, making it an everyday ally.
To fully enjoy the best wines of the Saint-Amour AOC, nothing could be easier: you can order your red wine directly on our website La Cave Éclairée !
We offer fast and careful delivery throughout France and Europe and select for you quality cuvées from renowned Beaujolais estates, all at the best price !
Furthermore, before choosing your Saint-Amour, feel free to consult the reviews left on our site to select the cuvée that best meets your expectations !
In addition, on our online store, each bottle is presented with detailed information: style, origin, appellation, aromatic profile, aging potential, and food and wine pairing suggestions. This way, you can easily find the ideal wine, whether it is a light and fruity Saint-Amour or a more structured cuvée.
Let yourself be tempted and explore our selection of Saint-Amour and Beaujolais !
Discover Saint-Amour, a Beaujolais cru combining fruit, finesse and elegance. Terroirs, aromas and style of wines are on the agenda.
Discover Saint-Amour, a Beaujolais cru combining fruit, finesse and elegance. Terroirs, aromas and style of wines are on the agenda.
