FOCUS ON AN APPELLATION: SAINT-VERAN

After 30 years, the Saint-Veran appellation has found its place in the sun alongside its better-known neighbour: Pouilly-Fuissé. 

Established in 1971, the Saint-Véran appellation applies to almost 600 hectares. Spread over 6 villages, it extends around the Pouilly-Fuissé production area and is split into two major zones. The first is to the north, comprising the villages of Davayé and Prissé, and accounts for two thirds of the appellation’s wines. The second is to the south of Fuissé, taking in the settlements of Leynes, Chasselas, Chânes and the village from which it derives its name: Saint-Vérand (the name of the village ends in a “d”, but not the appellation!).

Saint-Véran wines are a sparkling yellow in colour. The bouquet has subtle flavours of fruit (peach, pear) or acacia, honeysuckle and fern, frequently with hints of dried fruit and sometimes honey. Exotic fruit flavours are apparent at times, together with citrus (orange peel). Acidity and mellowness go hand in hand, leading to a crescendo: a harmonious, fresh structure, well-rounded and grapey. 

The sharp, direct attach, with citrus notes, makes it an ideal partner for creamy dishes, which tone down its strong flavour. Fish, poached or simply fried in the pan, is a good match. Seafood-based dishes are another possible variant, as are seafood or mushroom risottos, whose creamy texture is set off to perfection by the lemony sharpness of the wine. It also goes well with goats’ cheeses, bleu de Bresse, comté, beaufort or gruyère. 

An average of 5.5 million bottles are produced each year by 200 estates covering a total area of 709 hectares. 40% of this production is marketed by wine-merchants

In common with Pouilly-Fuissé, Pouilly-Loché et Pouilly-Vinzelles, the Saint-Véran appellation has just lodged an application with the INAO to have some plots granted Premier Cru status. 

See the June edition of Burgundy Direct (no.148) or the press release in the on-line press room at www.burgundy-wines.fr