Saint-Pourçain VDQS

Saint-Pourçain VDQS is a wine appellation in the Loire Valley region of France. The appellation is named after the town of Saint-Pourçain-sur-Sioule, which is located in the Allier department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The wines produced in this region are classified as Vin Délimité de Qualité Supérieure (VDQS), a now-defunct classification that was second only to the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) in the French wine classification system.

History

The history of winemaking in Saint-Pourçain dates back to the Roman times, making it one of the oldest vineyards in France. The wines of Saint-Pourçain were highly regarded in the Middle Ages and were served at the royal courts of France and England.

Geography and Climate

The vineyards of Saint-Pourçain are located on the left bank of the Sioule river, a tributary of the Allier river. The region has a temperate continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. The soils are predominantly composed of granite and clay-limestone, which contribute to the unique characteristics of the wines.

Grape Varieties and Wine Styles

The main grape varieties grown in Saint-Pourçain are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Gamay. The region produces both red and white wines, as well as rosé. The white wines are typically fresh and fruity, with notes of citrus and white flowers. The red wines are light to medium-bodied, with flavors of red fruits and spices.

Viticulture and Winemaking

The vineyards of Saint-Pourçain are planted at an average altitude of 300 meters above sea level. The vines are trained using the Guyot system, and the grapes are hand-harvested. The winemaking process includes fermentation in stainless steel tanks, followed by aging in oak barrels for the red wines.

See Also

• French wine
• Loire Valley (wine)
• List of VDQS Wines

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