Saint
Chinian
The wines of Saint Chinian were given the AOC label
in 1982. The zone holding this label gathers all villages
spread out over 2.700 hectares in the area at the bottom
of the Mounts Espinouse and Caroux, north of Béziers.
The vineyards of Saint Chinian are divided by the river
Orb and Vernazobres. The grounds are diversified with
in the north part schists or sandstones and in the south
part limestones, bauxite and clays. The vines benefit
from a typically Mediterranean climate with hot temperatures
and a particularly important exposition to the sun.
These climatological, excellent conditions for the vine,
places the zone of Saint-Chinian among the southern
wine sectors of great reputation.
The type of grapes produced are Grenache, Syrah, Carignan,
Mouvèdre, Cinsault and Lladoner Pelut.
They are generous rich red wines and delicate and fruity
rosé. Flexible and generous, sometimes vigorous,
certain Saint Chinian are drunk young whilst others
must wait 3 to 5 years to be drank.
