St-Amour, the most northerly of the beaujolais crus and an area with some limestone in which a considerable amount of white Beaujolais Blanc (and st-véran) is made. A steady 320 ha/790 acres of Gamay vines are planted for the production of relatively light but true red Beaujolais. The cru was added several years after most others. One theory is that its name, which indubitably adds to its appeal, comes from a Roman soldier who celebrated a narrow escape from death in Switzerland by converting to Christianity and establishing a mission. He was later canonized as St-Amour. There are other, earthier theories, as one would expect of Beaujolais, perhaps the earthiest of all wine regions.
