Saint-Chinian is an appellation in the Languedoc-roussillon">Languedoc-Roussillon wine region of southern France. It is located between Minervois and Faugeres, which produce similar styles of robust red wine from similar grapes and in a similar landscape. It is also adjacent to the Muscat de Saint-Jean-de-Minervois appellation, which produces Sweet white wines. Therefore, the diversity of the Languedoc region is well demonstrated in this small area.
The AOC Saint-Chinian title was created in 1982, for red and rosé wines only. In 2005, white wines were introduced into the appellation, made from Grenache Blanc, Marsanne and Roussanne. Carbonically macerated Carignan used to characterize the production of Saint-Chinian, but it is gradually being replaced by more Complex wines produced from Syrah, Grenache and Lladoner Pelut. Similarly, the quantity of white wine is increasing.
Merlot noir is a grape variety that originated in France (Bordeaux). It produces a variety of grape specially used for wine making. It is rare to find this grape to eat on our tables. This variety of grape is characterized by small to medium sized bunches, and medium sized grapes. Merlot noir can be found in many vineyards: South West, Languedoc & Roussillon, Cognac, Bordeaux, Loire Valley, Armagnac, Burgundy, Jura, Champagne, Rhone Valley, Beaujolais, Provence & Corsica, Savoie & Bugey.
red wines from the region of Saint-Chinian go well with generally quite well with dishes of beef, pasta or veal such as recipes of monkfish armorican style, chinese fried shrimp ravioli or oriental stuffed vegetables.
