Saint-Chinian

The Saint-Chinian appellation is a sub-regional appellation of Languedoc wines. Since February 4, 2005, two communal appellations have been recognized: Saint-Chinian Berlou and Saint-Chinian Roquebrun, distinguished for their excellence and typicity. Saint-Chinian wine, one of the region's finest crus, has been an AOC since 1982 for its red and rosé wines, and since 2004 for its white wines.

Situated on either side of the Orb and Vernazobre rivers, the Saint-Chinian vineyards extend over some twenty communes northwest of Béziers: Assignan, Babeau-Bouldoux, Berlou, Causses-et-Veyran, Cazedarnes, Cébazan, Cessenon-sur-Orb, Creissan, Cruzy, Ferrières-Poussarou, Murviel-lès-Béziers, Pierrerue, Prades-sur-Vernazobre, Puisserguier, Quarante, Roquebrun, Saint-Chinian, Saint-Nazaire-de Ladarez, Vieussan and Villespassans. Extraordinary geological and climatic diversity gives Saint-Chinian its distinctive character, giving each wine its own unique character. To the north, vines are planted on predominantly schistose soils, and to the south, on clay-limestone soils, at altitudes ranging from 100 to 400 meters.

Saint-Chinian wines are made from Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Cinsault and Lledoner Pelut for reds and rosés, and from Grenache, Marsanne, Roussanne and Vermentino (or Rolle) for whites. Saint-Chinian is best appreciated by tasting the wines offered by Mas Champart, Clos Bagatelle or Domaine La Madura.