Saint-Pourçain

The vineyards of Saint-Pourçain, one of the two Auvergne vineyards, are relatively far removed from the other vineyards of France. In fact, Saint-Pourçain is part of the Val de Loire vineyards, whose nearest appellation is around 150 km away. The viticulture here is omnipresent, and has evolved with the times, thanks to a unique dynamic, a specific terroir and genuine know-how. There are just 17 producers and one cooperative winery covering the 640 hectares of the appellation. 

The appellation is spread over 19 communes, on three main types of soil: Clay-siliceous soils or Bourbonnais sands, producing highly perfumed, round and spicy wines. To the west of the vineyard, granitic soils of eruptive origin (schist, gneiss) and shaped by the river "La Bouble", give the wines a subtle balance. They are fresh and structured. Finally, the clay-limestone soils of the "Sioule" river in the center and south of the Saint-Pourçain vineyards, give the wines floral and fruity notes, roundness on the palate, good balance and persistence.

AOC Saint-Pourçain white wines are highly distinctive. Their distinctive feature is the original blend of Chardonnay and Tressallier, to which Sauvignon may be added. Tressallier produces remarkable primary aromas reminiscent of those of the Viognier grape. The red wines of AOC Saint-Pourçain are born from the alliance of Gamay Noir and Pinot Noir, giving the wines structure, freshness, fruitiness and typicity.

An illustrious vineyard

The Saint-Pourçain vineyard is probably one of the oldest in France. The presence of vines is attested to long before the Romans. It was the Phoenicians who introduced and planted it in France.

Since the Middle Ages, Saint-Pourçain has been a vineyard renowned for its white wines. Highly prized at the court of the kings of France, the fresh, fruity white Saint-Pourçain wine delighted the royal family and the elite. The coat of arms of Saint Pourçain sur Sioule bears witness to this fact, with the fleur-de-lys and the barrel. On the initiative of Philippe le Bel, the first national competition for French wines was created, known by historians as the "Battle of the Wines of France". Thereafter, the Bourbon dynasty continued to promote vineyards at court and throughout France.

Production area and soil type

Since 2009, Saint-Pourçain has benefited from an AOC and the European PDO label. The production area is located on the left bank of the Allier at the confluence of the Sioule and Bouble rivers. The 540-hectare vineyard extends over 19 communes in the Allier department. The soils, mainly sandy or made up of limestone and sometimes granite, nourish the particular terroir of this light, delicate, fruity wine, and supply some 25,000 hl/year.

Diversification

In addition to Saint-Pourçain white wine, winemakers are now focusing on Saint-Pourçain red wine. The predominant use of gamay noir à jus blanc and pinot noir brings flavor and personality to this fine, delicate wine. These grape varieties are complemented by chardonnay , tressallier, a typically local variety, and sauvignon, a native of the Loire region.

Features

Today, the vineyard produces white, rosé and red wines, with a small production of sweet wines and traditional methods.

Saint-Pourçain wine comes in three main categories:

- The reds, with their lovely ruby color and lively highlights, develop a rich mineral palette. The scent of spices, redcurrants and undergrowth is recognizable. The palate is slightly tannic, with a peppery finish. 

- The whites have a beautiful yellow color resembling gold, but paler with a few green highlights. This wine reveals floral accents, notably acacia, and fruity notes of peach and grapefruit. Fresh and fruity on the palate. 

- The rosé, with its pale yellow-orange hue, releases aromas of pear and white pepper that are easy to detect on the palate.

Tasting Saint-Pourçain is, above all, discovering a unique and prestigious vineyard. A secret vineyard that reveals authentic, light, fruity wines.