Saint-Bris

Saint-Bris is one of Bourgogne’s most unusual appellations, situated in the Auxerrois around Saint-Bris-le-Vineux, just south-west of Chablis. Unlike the rest of white Bourgogne, where Chardonnay or Aligoté dominate, Saint-Bris is devoted to Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris. The wines were formerly sold as Sauvignon de Saint-Bris before the area received its own appellation in 2003.

The vineyards occupy rolling limestone and marl slopes around Saint-Bris-le-Vineux and neighbouring villages, generally between 150 and 300 metres altitude. The cool northern Burgundian climate encourages slow ripening and preserves the naturally vibrant acidity and aromatic character of Sauvignon. Its geology shares important similarities with nearby Chablis, contributing to the freshness and mineral definition of the wines.

Saint-Bris has no Premier Cru or Grand Cru vineyards. Individual lieux-dits are nevertheless increasingly important, particularly among a new generation of growers focusing on organic farming, lower yields and more precise expressions of individual sites. The wines are typically fresh and aromatic, with citrus, white flowers, fresh herbs and sometimes more exotic fruit, supported by crisp acidity and a mineral edge. The best examples move well beyond simple Sauvignon and show genuine texture, depth and terroir character, making Saint-Bris one of the most distinctive small appellations in Bourgogne.