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.
It most certainly originates from the Anjou region and is registered in the official catalogue of wine grape varieties on the A1 list. It can also be found in South Africa, Australia, Argentina, Chile, the United States (California), New Zealand, etc. It is said to be a descendant of Savagnin and to have sauvignonasse as its second parent (Jean-Michel Boursiquot 2019). On the other hand, Chenin blanc is the half-brother of verdelho and sauvignon blanc and is the father of colombard.
white wines from the region of Saint-Chinian go well with generally quite well with dishes of pasta, vegetarian or poultry such as recipes of pasta with pistou, cream and tuna quiche or pasta with chicken and curry.
