Saint-Pourçain our local wine
The traditional grape variety used for white Saint-Pourçain wines is the light skinned Tressallier . However, the appellation now state that the more internationally popular Chardonnay must be the dominant variety, followed by Tressallier and an optional 10% of Sauvignon . Tressallier is often compared to Viognier due to its aromatic, slightly spicy profile. Saint-Pourçain whites therefore have quite a distinctive character.
Although the AOC is best known for white wines, it does also produce red wines. As is standard for the cool hilly Auvergne region, Gamay is the dominant red variety and must constitute at least 40 percent of all Saint-Pourçain red and or rosé wines. It is accompanied by increasing quantities (now up to 60 percent) of Pinot Noir , which is often matured on oak.
Wine partners of ZONE BLEUE
Domanie Grosbot Barbara
The domaine is today based in the commune Cesset and unique with only two of their vineyards on either side of the building where they are making the wine, while the other vineyards are in the commune Bransat, Verneuil en Bourbonnais and Montord. The set-up offers Denis multiple type of soils, altitude etc. which he masters with passion, enthusiasm and charm. Whether you meet Denis, his wife Monique or their son Brian you always feel welcome and appreciated. Denis and the BARBARA family are really the ones driving the transformation of Saint-Pourçain wine growing aiming to bring it back to former glory and nobility.
Clos de Breuilly
You will find Clos de Breuilly in the commune of Cesset, established in 1880 exclusively for winemaking and includes a manoire, a winery, and 10 hectares of vines. The domaine remained in operation until 1990 when the then owner retired. For long it had been a sleeping beauty but in 2018, Denis BARBARA, the winemaker of Domaine Grosbot-Barbara a few km down the road from the Clos, convinces 4 investors William , Ambrose , Charles and Adrian to bring it back to the former glory AND SO THEY CERTAINLY DID......
Denis's son, Brian BARBARA , was promoted to cellar master at the age of 25 after studying winemaking in Beaune and spending a few years apprenticing in Meursault with Jean-Baptiste Bouzereau. The vines at the Clos are between 20 and 70 years old and have been cultivated organically since 2006. This was the foundation for their first vintage in 2020, where we call their red SAINT POURCAIN our first love in Saint-Pourçain but certainly their other wines remain among our absolute favorites. The beauty had come back to life with an amazing range of wines in a beautiful and tasteful setting....
Domaine Billaud-Chambon
Founded in 2023 Domaine Billaud-Chambon extends over the prestigious hillsides of Montord, where their 30 to 55 year old vines, facing south at an altitude of over 300 meters, benefit from rare clay-limestone soils. Currently in organic conversion, the estate is run by two young wine enthusiasts: Quentin Billaud, a winegrower of 4th generation, the 3 hectares vineyard orginally belonged to his family represents the best of all their vineyards in the area. And Anthony Chambon, an expert in wine management and a graduate of HEC with a background from Bourgogne and Champagne and inspiration gathered all over the world. Together, they cultivate the ambition to produce exceptional wines, combining tradition and innovation, to reveal all the richness of this unique terroir. In September 2025 we were invited to and participated in the harvest of their pinot and gamay, a small but high quality harvest, and a wonderful experience.
The quote on their beautiful bottles hand sealed with vax reads "EVERY VINE TELLS A STORY. EVERY BOTTLE HOLDS A POEM " hats of for young energy, keep it up guys.....
Domaine Jallet Sadot
The domaine was founded in 1913 by Jean-Marie Jallet, a self-taught winemaker. Since then, four generations have succeeded one another at the helm in Saulcet. In 2023, David Sadot, Philippe Jallet's cousin, joined the adventure and it became Domaine Jallet Sadot . The two decided to expand the domaine and create new vintages, always respecting their terroir and 2023 was an amazing vintage.
Domaine Jallet Sadot was introduced to us at our favorite local wine bar in Saint-Pourçain called Qui L'eut Cru . We have made many wine discoveries there, and the Jallet Sadot vintage 2023 both Les Ceps Centenaire and Les Pierres Brûlées surprised us even when they were very young. Another surprise from this winemaker is his Eau de vie , not really a sexy bottle but it has become a welcome addition to our dinner and desserts...