At the south of the region of Mâconnais, you’ll find the appellation Saint-Veran. It forms a sort of ring around the appellation Pouilly-Fuissé, producing some of the worlds finest white wines. There are several villages which come under this AOC, but all are ideally suited for the Chardonnay grape. Indeed, no red wine is produced here at all. Both Saint-Veran and Pouilly-Fuissé are situated on the hills to which the famous Rock of Solutré belongs, and this region is worth a visit for the exquisite countryside as much as the exceptional wines it produces. This is the most southerly appellation in Burgundy, very close to the northern fringe of Beaujolais. Indeed, until its own AOC was granted in 1971 the wines of Saint Veran were known as Beaujolais Blanc. The soils are characterised by a chalky clay, and the climate is warm thanks to the southerly location, meaning that frosts are not as much of a threat as they are in more northerly areas.
Saint-Veran
These white wines have a brilliant yellow gold color, and are crystal-clear. On the nose you will get subtle aromas which set these wines apart from others—think of honeysuckle, peach, pear, acacia and also cinnamon, butter and honey. In the mouth you’ll find them quite dry with pleasing minerality and a lively attack. The structure is excellent, round and fresh. Because of the open attack and range of flavors, choose foods carefully to eat whilst drinking these wines. Oily fish, for example, will match perfectly with the floral aromas of the wine, and seafood risotto will balance the acidity of the wine. Try them with goats cheeses, Gruyere, Comte or Beaufort cheeses.
White wines only.