Who/what is Saint Macaire?
A. Saint Macaire was a French saint initially known as the “protector of grapevines.” Accused of witchcraft, she was eventually burned at the stake in the Middle Ages
B. Saint Macaire is a type of golden-hued French oak barrel with pronounced vanilla flavors
C. Saint Macaire is a French grape variety native to Bordeaux
D. Saint Macaire is a new grape variety created at the University of Montpellier, a cross between Saint Laurent and Saint George
C.
Saint Macaire, native to Bordeaux, was widely planted there before phylloxera devastated the region in the late nineteenth century. However, it was not widely replanted; current official statistics report less than 2.5 acres are planted throughout the entirety of France. The variety is also grown in California where it is used in Cabernet blends. Among other wineries, O’Shaunessy winery in Napa Valley, and J Lohr winery in Paso Robles grow Saint Macaire and blend it with their Cabernets. The variety is said to give a deep color and a “mouth-puckering palate” to a blend.