Welcome
Saint Chinian
Languedoc is one of the most important wine-producing regions in France, but the large area offers a range of micro-climates suitable for growing distinct grapes and making different wine styles. The warm Mediterranean coast couldn’t be more different 33 kilometres inland, in the elevated hills that mark the beginning of the Massif Central. That’s where Saint Chinian lies, in the elevated, rocky soils overlooking the entire region.
A source of wine since ancient times, it is a small appellation of 3,000 hectares producing 105,000 hl of wine annually. Still, producers make red, white and rosé wine, and the quality is so high that two sub-regions have earned their own appellations for red wine: Berlou and Roquebrun.
Officially established in 1982, the appellation was initially only a source for red and rosé, but since 2005 has also been able to produce white wine. With a fantastic community of winemakers, it has established itself as one of the best up and coming appellations in the Languedoc. With an unmatched terroir blessed by both the Mediterranean and the mountains, it’s easy to see why the wine from the region will only gain more recognition.
Production
Wine from the appellation must be made from grapes grown in the designated land, and the vilification and elevage must take place in the same geographical area. The appellation comprises the communes in the Hérault Department: Assignan, Babeau-Bouldoux, Berlou, Causses-et-Veyran, Cazedarnes, Cébazan, Cessenon, Creissan, Cruzy, Ferrières-Poussarou, Murviel-lès-Béziers, Pierrerue, Prades-sur-Vernazobre, Puisserguier, Quarante, Roquebrun, Saint Chinian, Saint-Nazaire-de-Ladarez, Vieussan and Villespassans.
The communes Berlou and Roquebrun have a unique distinction and can label their wines with their town’s name. The wine must also follow stricter production rules.
The vines are planted with a minimum density of 4000 vines per hectare across the area, causing the vines to dig deep for water and nutrients. The grapes must reach high maturity levels, with amounts of sugar corresponding to a minimum of 12% alcohol by volume.
Although many red wines in the appellation age and can evolve nicely for several years, some red wines are made in the nouveau style and are sold in the same year of the harvest. These are young, festive wines with fruit purity, and along with the region’s white and rosé wines, these make the youthful side of Saint Chinian. The appellation has wine styles for every occasion and food pairing.
Grape Varieties and Blends
For red and rosé wine labelled as Saint Chinian, producers must use at least two grapes, with at least one of the considered main varietals: Grenache, Lledoner Pelut, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Other varietals are complementary: Carignan and Cinsault. Still, any wine must be made chiefly of main varietals.
Something similar happens for white wine. Most of the blend must be made of Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne and Vermentino, and the complementary grapes Carignan Blanc, Clairette and Viognier can be used sparingly.
The subregions Berlou and Roquebrun are stricter in their allowed grape varieties and will only allow Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Carignan.
Southern France’s famous grapes come together here to show a more mature side of the Languedoc, one only possible in altitudes of up to 200 metres over sea level. Be it red, white and rose, this area's wine is a great ambassador for the warm-weather style.
Buy Saint Chinian Wines from Hourlier Wines
There are many passionate wine producers in this appellation, and Hourlier Wines has partnered with an exciting project leading the way in innovation while respecting the ancient region’s traditions. Domaine des Païssels was created in 2011 to champion old vineyards with vines trained in goblet from selected sites.
Located in Babeau on schist slopes, this family property has dedicated generations to only a few very special hectares of vines. Single-vineyards show what the region is capable of — world-class wine and the finest expression of the wines from southern France. Here are a few wines from Domaine des Païssels to try.
Domaine des Paissels Le Banel
Banel means small horns, and it’s an homage to the small herds of goats that graze between the vineyards. Made with 50% Grenache Noir and 50% Carignan from old vines grown in schist soils at 150m and 250 m of altitude, this concentrated wine shows tart red fruit and warm spices over a rustic palate with balanced tannins.
Fruit-forward and fresh, Le Banel can be enjoyed young but can age for over five years, gaining complexity and tertiary notes of earth and leather. Enjoy with casseroles, stews and hearty comfort food evocative of the pastoral countryside.
Domaine des Paissels Les Paissels
Old vines of 30 and up to 80 years old of Carignan 35%, Syrah 35%, Grenache 15% and Mourvèdre 15% come together for one of the most prestigious wines in the estate’s repertoire, the Les Paissels. This is a bold, full-bodied red wine ideal for grilling parties, where smoked meat and fatty cuts play a leading role. With extraordinary age-worthiness, one can age Les Paissels for over a decade. An outstanding wine indeed.
FAQ
Where does Saint Chinian wine originate?
It lies in the Languedoc region, in Southern France, and it’s located in the high foothills of the Massif Central. The elevation gives the wine a unique freshness.
What does Saint Chinian wine taste like?
The red wine can be concentrated but with a characteristic freshness to balance the ripe fruit flavours. The rosé wine is rare but, when available, is balanced and easy to drink. White wine in the region is medium-bodied and elevated in alcohol.
In a nutshell, the region's wines are generous and black fruit forward with bold, robust personalities.
Which food groups pair well with Saint Chinian wine?
Most of the areas wine is red wine, and it’s ideal for pairing with hearty stews, casseroles and broths, sausages, smoked meat, dry-cured sausages and mature cheese. The white and rosé pair well with seafood specialities like bouillabaisse.
