Saint-Chinian French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Saint-Chinian is a Languedoc appellation in the foothills of the Montagne Noire, producing generous, spicy red blends with a distinctive character shaped by two contrasting soils: schist and limestone.
More info about Saint-Chinian
Geographic position
Southern France, in the Hérault department, northwest of Béziers, around the town of Saint-Chinian and 20 villages on the southern slopes of the Espinouse and Caroux mountains, within the Haut-Languedoc Regional Natural Park.
Origin & history
Benedictine monks founded an abbey at Saint-Chinian in the 9th century and developed the vineyards, and the wines were already renowned in the 14th century. Saint-Chinian became an AOC in 1982 for reds and rosés, and whites were added in 2005; Berlou and Roquebrun are recognised sub-zones on schist.
Wines & grape varieties
Mostly red and rosé, from Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Cinsault. Expect black fruit, garrigue, liquorice and spice. Whites blend Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne and Vermentino.
Climate & soil
Mediterranean climate with Atlantic influence and cool mountain nights. Schist in the north, giving fine, smoky wines, and clay-limestone in the south, giving rounder, fuller wines.
Wine region: Languedoc-Roussillon
Grape varieties: Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache Noir, Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Mourvèdre, Roussanne, Syrah, Vermentino