Saint-Véran PDO
Saint-Véran, the finesse of Chardonnay in a beautiful white wine from Burgundy
All the finesse of Chardonnay is expressed in this white wine from Burgundy. Saint-Véran AOC is produced in the south of the Mâconnais, in Saône-et-Loire. On either side of the Solutré rock, the Saint-Véran appellation area surrounds that of Pouilly-Fuissé. These two Burgundy Village appellations share a passion for Chardonnay, the region's flagship grape variety. They are also distinguished by the diversity of their plots and soils, Climats, which each give a remarkable personality to the wines.
General presentation of Saint-Véran
Saint-Véran takes its name in part from a commune in Saône-et-Loire, Saint-Vérand, which is spelt with a final "d". The appellation area includes other villages, located on either side of Solutré-Pouilly. To the north of the Roche de Solutré, we find Davayé and Prissé. To the south are the vineyards of Chasselas, Leynes, Saint-Vérand and Chânes. These two distinct zones offer different wines, where the only grape variety authorised by the AOC, Chardonnay, is always expressed.
The Village Saint-Véran appellation has around forty Climats, including La Côté Dorée, En Terre Noire, Les Pommards, Vers le Bois, Les Cras, Le Clos, Les Chailloux... The Saint-Véran vineyard covers almost 740 hectares. The winegrowers of the appellation have been working for several years to have some of these Climats classified as Premier Cru, an official recognition that would reward a constant commitment and an exceptional know-how.
Characteristics of Saint-Véran
The white wines of Saint-Véran offer a great diversity that reflects the plurality of the terroirs concentrated in the appellation. However, they all have common characteristics, the fruit of the Chardonnay grape. Thus, the crus are distinguished first of all by their crystalline and brilliant colour, of a pale gold colour which sometimes has green reflections.
On the nose, aromas of white fruits such as peach and pear emerge, as well as floral notes reminiscent of acacia, honeysuckle and fern. This aromatic bouquet is most often developed on a background of fresh almond, hazelnut, cinnamon and butter. Hints of honey, exotic fruits and citrus fruits further enrich this palette, most often for the most mature wines.
In the mouth, a Saint-Véran is distinguished by its roundness and harmony. A certain minerality is regularly detected in the wines produced in the Solutré area. These white Burgundy wines can be aged for 5-7 years; up to 10 years for the best vintages.
How to taste a Saint-Véran
The white wines of the Saint-Véran appellation go perfectly with delicate fish and seafood. Serve a glass of Saint-Véran with smoked salmon, pike-perch with beurre blanc, oysters, scallops, etc. This wine can also be served with poultry or white meat dishes: bresse chicken, veal blanquette, roast duck leg... As for cheese, Saint-Véran is best served with goat's cheese, blue cheese, Beaufort, Comté or Gruyère.
It is advisable to serve a Saint-Véran at a temperature of 11-13°.