AOP Saint-Chinian Roquebrun
Small in size
In the northern part of Saint-Chinian,
this pocket-sized appellation and its winegrowers showcase fascinating schist soils. The wines are good and – cherry on the cake – the walking is out of this world!
Foundation
2005
Territory
4
communes
Production
175 HA
volume
Producers
11 independent wineries
1 co-operative
Colours
red
100%
Grape varieties
authorized for the reds
syrah
grenache
mourvèdre
carignan
More information
www.saint-chinian.comterroir
An off-shoot of the Saint-Chinian AOP, the tiny appellation of Saint-Chinian-Roquebrun is located on schist terrain. Here, the Mediterranean is far away and Haut Languedoc is nearby, delineated by rounded summits and plateaux which form a backdrop to the vineyards.
Basking in a hot, dry climate, the scenery is picture-postcard-worthy – the river Orb meanders seamlessly at the foot of lofty hills, running past villages like Roquebrun or Vieussan perched on spectacular bluffs. The hillsides and terraces are clad with vines, though they are not the only occupants of this tranquil setting, also home to the garrigue.
History
Since its creation in 2005, the Saint-Chinian-Roquebrun all-red appellation has offered a more precise site identification on labels of wines produced by just a dozen estates, and of course the co-operative whose grape supplies come from a few dozen members. So how does the schist shape the local wines? It instils charm, depth and suppleness in them, whereas limestone lends greater structure. Alongside the Languedoc behemoths like Corbières, the Saint-Chinian-Roquebrun appellation may seem like small fry. Does that mean its wines are of minor importance? Most definitely not!