Saint-Amour

Saint-Amour, located in the far north of the Beaujolais region, has vineyards that are primarily situated in Saône-et-Loire. Officially recognized since the decree of February 8, 1946, the Saint-Amour AOC stands out. Spanning 310 hectares within the eponymous commune, 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, Saint-Amour is produced in several climats, among which "À la folie" and "En paradis" stand out for their full-bodied, structured wines with delicate aromas. The vintages from Domaine Franck Juillard, Maison Trenel, and Château Bonnet eloquently showcase this exceptional terroir.

Saint-Amour, a red wine with Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) status, has its roots in Saône-et-Loire, north of Beaujolais, and was officially recognized by a decree dated February 8, 1946. Its evocative name derives from a Roman legionnaire who converted to Christianity and founded a monastery in this region. Production takes place at altitudes ranging from 250 to 470 meters, in northern Beaujolais, near Burgundy. This location provides the vineyard with a temperate climate and optimal sunlight, while protecting it from adverse weather conditions thanks to its altitude. The drying effect of local winds helps protect against downy mildew. Across more than 320 hectares, the soil—primarily clay-siliceous and granitic—is typical of Beaujolais wines.

The black-skinned, white-juiced Gamay is the sole grape variety of Saint-Amour, which is sensitive to spring frosts. This wine boasts a ruby color with violet hues; some winemakers opt for a short maceration to produce lighter wines, ready to be enjoyed sooner. Saint-Amour stands out for its smoothness and fruity character even in its youth, with notes of peach, red berries, and peony, evolving toward spicier aromas, such as kirsch, after two to three years. With time, it gains body and complexity, revealing low tannins and pronounced acidity. Over the years, Saint-Amour matures, becoming rounder, more powerful, and more charming.

Saint-Amour proves to be an ideal accompaniment to game birds and red meats, lending itself perfectly to family meals and festive celebrations. It also pairs well with appetizers and starters, often paired with dishes from its region of origin. This wine captivates from the very 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.