AOP Languedoc - Saint ChristolLanguedoc - Saint Christol
diversity is the name of the game!
This appellation not only lays claim to an eventful history,
its vineyard sites – and therefore its wines – also run the gamut for their very subtle nuances.
Foundation
1951
Territory
1
village
Production
101 HA
Producers
7 independent wineries
1 co-operative.
Colours
Red
100%
Main grape varieties
authorized for the reds
syrah
grenache
mourvèdre
carignan
cinsault
counoise
morrastel
piquepoul noir
for more information:
www.saint-christol-en-languedoc.comTerroir
What is the common denominator between wines stamped Languedoc-Saint-Christol? Their generosity. Aside from this, the appellation illustrates extensive diversity. Its vineyard sites are coupled with a range of weather patterns which, depending on the specific location, are more prone to the influence of the nearby sea, or affected by inland influences.
The geology, too, is marked by complexity: despite the predominant occurrence of pebble-strewn terraces, numerous nuances remain tangible and ultimately put a different stamp on the appellation’s wines. Consequently, the significance of the appellation lies in the diversity expressed by its wines, further enhanced by the fairly broad-ranging array of grape varieties authorised by production specifications.
History
Set virtually mid-way between Montpellier and Nîmes and equal distances from the Mediterranean Sea and the Cevennes mountains, the appellation draws on an extremely rich history spanning 24 centuries. As of the 12th century, in particular, the Order of the Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem – subsequently the Order of the Knights of Rhodes then Order of Malta – governed Saint-Christol completely independently until 1792 and played a pivotal role in the development of vineyards in the area. As their ‘connections’ went far beyond the boundaries of France, they introduced the local wines to world rulers along with the English-speaking world and Scandinavia.