Saint-Pourcain 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-Pourcain 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 two vineyards on either side of the building, while the other vineyards are located in the commune Bransat, Verneuil en Bourbonnais and Montord. The set up offer Denis multiple type of soils, altitude etc. which he masters with passion, enthusiasm and charm. Wether 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-Pourcain wine growing aiming to bring it back to former glory and nobility.
Clos de Breuilly
Clos de Breuilly is located 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 the Grosbot-Barbara domaine a few km down the raod 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-Pourcain but certainly their other wines remains among our absolute favorites. The beauty had come back to life with an amazing range of wines in a beautiful and tasteful setting....
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. The two decided to expand the domaine and create new vintages, always respecting their terroir.
Domaine Jallet Sadot was introduced to us at our favorite local wine bar in Saint-Pourcain called Qui L'eut Cru. We have made many wine discoveries there, and the Jallet Sadot vintage 2023 surprised us even when it was very young. Another surprise from this winemaker is his Eau de vie which has become a welcome addition to our dinner and desserts...