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4.57/5

Saint-Emilion Wines : Key Points

Situated on the right bank of the Dordogne River, in the Libournais region of Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion is an appellation known to red wine lovers around the world. The winemaking history of Saint-Émilion goes back to the Gallo-Roman era, a 2000-year legacy confirmed by the listing of the medieval town and its vineyards as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Saint-Émilion appellation, which centres around a famous limestone plateau, is home to a wide range of different soil types, including limestone, chalk, clay and sand. In addition to these geological features, the area benefits from a temperate oceanic climate, with moderate thermal amplitude.

Saint-Émilion wine is produced mainly from Merlot, locally called "Bouchet", which lends to the wines aromas of small red and black fruits, as well as a certain roundness and opulence on the palate. Merlot is often complemented in the blends of the appellation by Cabernet Franc, providing a certain finesse and elegance, and Cabernet Sauvignon which gives structure and ageing potential.

Saint-Émilion is distinguished by its two appellations: Saint-Émilion and Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. This last appellation contains some of the greatest wines of Bordeaux, the Grands Crus Classés and especially the Premiers Grands Crus Classés (Châteaux Cheval Blanc, Troplong-Mondot, Angélus, Ausone, Figeac… to name a few). The classification of Saint-Émilion wines is reviewed and updated every ten years.