The French national appellations institute has approved a new AOC in the Allier region of central France
Saint-Pourçain will join the ranks of over 470 wine appellations in France, 27 years after local winemakers submitted their official request.
The region, which previously produced wines under the VDQS (Quality Wine with a Geographical Specification) label, was granted its new status by the national appellations institute (INAO) yesterday.
Around 120km south of Sancerre, Saint-Pourçain produces Gamay, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Tressallier (a local white variety also known as Sacy in northeast France).
The region has 650ha (hectares) of vineyards, mainly on southeast-facing slopes on the left banks of the Allier and Sioule rivers.
The region produces around 3m bottles per year and is the first AOC in the Auvergne region.
Written by Oliver Styles
