# Saint-Amour

- **Producer:** Jean-Paul Brun / Domaine des Terres Dorées
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** 100% Gamay
- **Region:** Beaujolais, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €20
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** raspberry, red cherry, wild strawberry, peony, violet

## About this wine

Jean-Paul Brun's Saint-Amour, from the northernmost cru of Beaujolais, is a testament to his pioneering, terroir-focused winemaking philosophy. Established in 1979, Domaine des Terres Dorées is known for its commitment to minimal intervention, utilizing indigenous yeasts and a Burgundian vinification style. This approach, distinct from typical Beaujolais methods, aims to reveal the pure expression of the Gamay grape and the unique characteristics of the Saint-Amour appellation's diverse soils, which include granite and clay-loam.

## Interesting facts

- Saint-Amour is the northernmost cru of Beaujolais.
- Jean-Paul Brun uses indigenous yeasts for fermentation.
- The wine is made using a 'Burgundian style' of vinification.
- Brun avoids chaptalization, focusing on natural alcohol levels.

## Food pairing

The wine's fresh acidity and silky tannins cut through richer textures and complement proteins beautifully. Its red fruit and floral notes harmonize with herbs, mushrooms, and earthy flavors found in many classic French dishes.

## Wine making process

Jean-Paul Brun employs a 'Burgundian style' vinification for his Saint-Amour, a departure from typical Beaujolais methods. This involves partial or full destemming depending on the vintage, followed by fermentation with indigenous yeasts at low temperatures to preserve primary aromas. The estate practices environmentally respectful and organic farming, including manual tillage and minimal chemical inputs. Grapes are hand-harvested at optimal ripeness. Post-fermentation, the wine is aged for a few months in neutral vessels like concrete, stainless steel, or old oak foudres, avoiding new oak to maintain fruit purity. Brun also notably avoids chaptalization.