Saint-Chinian AOC
The vineyards of Saint- Chinian is located ( east ) and Faugères (southwest ) between the appellations Minervois in the French wine-growing region of Languedoc.
History
In the year 794 the Benedictine monk Appe founded a monastery on the left bank of the Vernazobres. The monastery soon received the name Sanch Ahan and was eventually renamed in 1102 in the name of Saint- Chinian. Despite the poor relations of the monastery to the rural population, a thriving viticulture could develop. The wine was already in the 14th century in the wider community famous. Nevertheless put the smoldering conflict with the monastery a major impediment in the development of the region dar. Important sources of income were, therefore, to the 19th century, the manufacture of cloths and the presence of several tanneries. Due to severe flooding in 1875, these industries were destroyed and never rebuilt. There was a concentration on the wine. Since the area was very late hit by the phylloxera disaster, you could be prepared for the changes necessary so that the wine in contrast to other regions not thereby came to a standstill.
Appellations
Today the vineyard is an important source of income in the region. Since 5 May 1982, the area has the status of an Appellation d' Origine ( AOC short ). The vineyards cover about 2,800 hectares under vine in 20 municipalities in the department of Hérault. Geographically, the area in the northern higher part shares with slate floors and in the southern part with clay and limestone soils. On the acidic slate floors are usually fruitier and more approachable wines produced, while more structured and tannic wines are made on the clay and limestone soils. During 90 days in practically no rain falls, so that the vines are rooted very deep to absorb sufficient moisture can.
The annual production is approximately 135,000 hectoliters of wine, which is split 90 % to red wine, rosé 9.5% and 0.5 % of white wine. In area 9 wine cooperatives are active, representing two -thirds of production. The rest is self-marketing 100 winemakers. Main export countries are Belgium ( 9360 hl ), Denmark ( 5,780 hl) and Canada ( 4,850 hl). Since 2004, two municipal, subordinate wine regions were defined within this regional appellation:
- Saint- Chinian Berlou
- Saint- Chinian Roquebrun
Varieties
In the regional appellation Lledoner Pelut ( min. 20%), Mourvèdre ( min. 10%) and Syrah red wine and rose wine from the Grenache ( min. 20%) ( min. 10% ) grapes. The common minimum share of these four varieties since 1998 is 60%. In addition to the four varieties nor are the varieties Carignan ( content max. 40 %) and / or Cinsault ( content max. 30%) admitted. The minimum alcohol content is 11 % by volume. The rosé should be recovered to a large extent by the Saignée method. While the reds during 5-8 years can be stored at 15-16 ° C and drinking temperature should be enjoyed, it is recommended that the rosé after 1-2 years of storage at 8-10 ° C to drink.
For the white wine was considered by the year 2004, the appellation Coteaux du Languedoc. Since white wines are available under the name of Saint- Chinian appellation. Authorised varietals are the main varietals Grenache Blanc (share min. 30%), Marsanne, Roussanne and Vermentino. The wine consists of at least two varieties with the maximum proportion of a variety may not exceed 70%. In addition, small amounts of the varieties Bourboulenc, Carignan Blanc, Clairette Blanche and Macabeo are still allowed.
Approved communities
Assignan, Babeau - Bouldoux, Berlou, Causses- et- Veyran, Cazedarnes, Cébazan, Cessenon, Creissan, Cruzy, Ferrieres Poussarou, Murviel- lès -Béziers, Pierrerue, Prades- sur- Vernazobre, Puisserguier, Quarante, Roquebrun, Saint- Chinian, Saint- Nazaire -de- Ladarez, Vieussan and Villespassans.