Around Moulins (Allier ‘department’/region), the Saint-Pourçain wine area (600 ha) two-thirds of which is produced by the cooperative cellars: ‘Union des Vignerons’ or Growers’ Union (130 members). Worth noting for Saint-Pourçain: the use of the Tressaillier variety, only found in this area.
Around Roanne (Loire ‘department’/region), 180 hectares in the AOC area Côte-Roannaise. On the basalt soils of the Forez hills around Montbrison (Loire), 200 ha in the Côtes-du-Forez region, 80% of which is made by the Forez winegrowers’ coop. Around Clermont-Ferrand (Puy-de-Dôme) the Côtes-d'Auvergne region. There are 5 distinct ‘cru’ sites: - Boudes (reds)
- Chanturgue (the wine for coq-au-vin)
- Châteaugay
- Corent (rosé)
- Madargue
There are also Vins de pays (VDP) from Urfé, Bourbonnais and Puy-de-Dôme.
What’s on
Saint-Pourçain Wine show and competition: last weekend in February Wine fair: last weekend of August ‘Ban des Vendanges’ (when growers are given the official go-ahead to pick): one Sunday in September (varies according to the vintage) Launch of the ‘Ficelle’: first Saturday in December. The ‘Ficelle’ (literally piece of string or officer’s stripes) is the annual cuvee (particular blend) decorated by an artist. Côte Roannaise Wine fair showing unfinished wines from vat: first Saturday in November in Saint-Haon-le-Châtel Côte Roannaise springtime: April Crowning of the ‘Chevaliers de l’ordre du Vieux Pressoir’ (Knights of the Old Press): Monday of ‘Pentecost’ (day after Whit Sunday) Winegrowers’ blogs http://cavesvictor.blogspirit.com/
http://www.badoulin.fr/dotclear/index.php
http://www.sauvat-vins.com/weblog/index.php
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