France - Auvergne

Auvergne, mountainous and volcanic, occupies the greater part of the Massif Central and has been producing wines for centuries. King Louis XIV appreciated Chanturgue wine, a famous cru from Clermont-Ferrand, and the existence of "bougnats" is linked to the trade of these wines in Paris of old. This vineyard almost disappeared after the Second World War, but since 1990 and the natural wine movement, Auvergne wines, whether red (the majority), white or rosé, have been experiencing a renaissance. This region of small estates and volcanoes, with little pollution, is perfectly suited to the production of great natural wines, often obtained biodynamically. Auvergne is attached to the Loire wine region, but in reality its wines have their own particular style and a strong typicity linked to volcanic soils. Most of the Auvergne vineyard is located in the Puy-de-Dôme department, around Clermont-Ferrand, Riom and Issoire. Its main crus are Chanturgue, Madargue, Boudes, Corent and Châteaugay in Puy-de-Dôme, as well as Saint-Pourçain in Allier (located, for its part, on clay-limestone, granitic and sandy-gravelly soils). In addition to Vins de France, there are the AOC Côtes-d’Auvergne and IGP Puy-de-Dôme appellations.

Auvergne red wines (like rosés) are mainly made from Gamay, often blended with Pinot Noir. Auvergne white wines are most often based on Chardonnay and Tressallier. All the Auvergne wines we offer are natural. They are perfect for any occasion, from aperitif to table.

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What are the specific characteristics of Auvergne wines?
The great Auvergne red wines, whether from Auvergne Gamay or Pinot Noir, are fruity, spicy, peppery, lively and delicious. These vineyards offer fine and complex wines, with beautiful notes of red fruits (sour cherry, blackberry, blackcurrant). The typical black pepper note is linked to volcanic soils. The rosés are also fresh, peppery and fruity, and the whites are fresh and mineral with power and a little richness on the palate.
How do volcanic soils influence the taste of wines in Auvergne?
In the region, the imprint of volcanoes offers very varied soils (basalt, arkose, pozzolan, pumice stone, peperites, various clays, etc.) and wines that reflect this mineral diversity. It is a region where the soil often takes precedence over the grape variety. Volcanism tends to produce very clean and straightforward wines, with spicy notes (black pepper) and beautiful density. This minerality is also transmitted to rosés and whites, to which it gives precision, amplitude and deliciousness. The peppery note is like a memory of the fire that once inhabited these volcanoes.
What makes Gamay special in Auvergne? Black Gamay with white juice has many regional variations, and Auvergne is no exception. Cultivated in this region for centuries, this grape variety has adapted to the soils and climate and constitutes a unique grape variety. Auvergne Gamay expresses a characteristic peppery note, linked to the volcanic nature of the soils. What also makes these wines so special is that they often come from very old vines, often bought back by natural winemakers. This accentuates their depth, complexity and aging qualities.
Which Auvergne wine to pair with a regional cheese?
The wine/cheese pairing is a great classic in France! For this pairing, we recommend a white wine to accompany a cheese: whether it is Saint-Nectaire, Cantal, Bleu d'Auvergne or Fourme d'Ambert, the lively tannins of red wine risk clashing with the casein. Choose an Auvergne wine based on Chardonnay or Tressallier, either a Saint-Pourçain or a white wine from any Auvergne appellation.

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