Saint-Amour

Saint-Amour, located at the northernmost tip of Beaujolais, has most of its vineyards in Saône-et-Loire. Officially recognized since the decree of February 8, 1946, the Saint-Amour AOC stands out. Spanning 310 hectares within the commune of the same name, the Saint-Amour appellation is characterized by its small size, comparable to that of Chénas among the Beaujolais crus. Facing east/southeast, the vineyards benefit from favorable granitic and clay-siliceous soils, with an annual production of around 17,500 hectoliters. Made exclusively from Gamay noir à jus blanc grapes, Saint-Amour comes in several climats, among which "À la folie" and "En paradis" stand out for their full-bodied, structured wines with fine aromas. The vintages of Domaine Franck Juillard, Maison Trenel, and Château Bonnet eloquently illustrate this exceptional terroir.

Saint-Amour, an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) red wine, has its roots in Saône-et-Loire, north of Beaujolais, and was established by a decree dated February 8, 1946. Its evocative name comes from a Roman legionnaire who converted to Christianity and founded a monastery in this region. Production takes place at an altitude of 250 to 470 meters, in the north of Beaujolais, near Burgundy. This location gives the vineyard a temperate climate and optimal sunshine, while protecting it from climatic hazards thanks to its altitude. The drying effect of local winds helps protect against mildew. Covering more than 320 hectares, the soil, mainly clay-siliceous and granitic, is typical of Beaujolais wines.

Gamay noir à jus blanc is the only grape variety used in Saint-Amour, which is sensitive to spring frosts. This wine has a ruby color with purple highlights, and some winemakers opt for short maceration to produce lighter wines that are ready to be enjoyed more quickly. Saint-Amour is distinguished by its smoothness and fruity character when young, with notes of peach, red berries, and peony, evolving towards more spicy aromas, such as kirsch, after two to three years. With age, it gains body and complexity, revealing low tannins and marked acidity. With age, Saint-Amour becomes richer, rounder, more powerful, and more charming.

Saint-Amour is an ideal accompaniment to game birds and red meats, making it perfect for family meals and festive celebrations. It also pairs well with appetizers and starters, often associated with dishes from its region of origin. This wine seduces from the first sip with its notes of cherry, morello cherry, and peony, promising a rich experience for the palate that refines with a little aeration. For more information, visit the Saint-Amour wines website.