St-Chinian has one of the most distinctive reputations for Languedoc wines in all three colours, perhaps most characterfully from the rugged schists of the north and west of its region at altitudes often above 1,900ft (600m) in spectacular mountainous country. The appellation is known for its fine whites and Carignan-marked reds which are heavily influenced by Rhône varieties, particularly Syrah grown on schist, as well as the predominant Carignan, Cinsault, Grenache, Lledoner Pelut and Mourvèdre. Vines grown at lower altitudes in the unusual purple-clay and limestone soils around the village of St Chinian tend to yield softer and more supple wines.