Saint-Emilion

Saint-Emilion is located in Bordeaux's Libournais district, on the right bank of the Garonne River. Cheval Blanc, Angélus, Ausone, Pavie and Figeac – the list of châteaux in Saint-Émilion reads like a who's who of France's top Bordeaux wines and is therefor known for producing the highest-quality red wines. 

Where exactly is the Saint-Émilion appellation?

About 40 kilometres east of Bordeaux, the town of Saint-Émilion sits enthroned at the top of a valley basin on a plateau overlooking the right bank of the Dordogne. The vineyards, covering approximately 5,500 hectares, nestle around the eponymous town and extend to the banks of the Dordogne, which forms a natural border to the north. To the south, Saint-Émilion borders another prestigious Bordeaux appellation: Pomerol.

Roman legionaries planted the first vines here as early as the third century. The Gallo-Roman poet Ausonius, whose name inspired one of the region's most renowned wineries (Château Ausone), was one of the first winemakers here. However, he had nothing to do with the name of the appellation. The name Saint-Émilion comes from a wandering monk named Aemilianus, who lived and was revered here in the 8th century. His followers built a church under a limestone rock, which can still be visited today.

Saint-Émilion has its own classification system, which differs from other Bordeaux appellations. In addition to the general AOP categories (Appellation d'Origine Protégée), there are the communal appellations Saint-Émilion and Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. The classification is carried out every ten years and is based on strict criteria such as sensory quality, reputation, market price and terroir. Within these categories, there are further subdivisions such as Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé and Premier Grand Cru Classé (A or B). However, renowned châteaux such as Ausone, Cheval Blanc and Angélus, all of which were once classified as Premier Grand Cru Classé A, no longer participate in the assessment.

Climate and soils in Saint-Émilion

The climate in Saint-Émilion is temperate maritime with warm summers and mild winters. The proximity to the Dordogne provides a further balancing effect, as the river stores heat during the hot months and releases it again in autumn, allowing the grapes to ripen undisturbed. This brings us finally to the soils, which are a mosaic of limestone, clay, sand and gravel, and which, in various combinations, create different micro-terroirs. These can be divided into three different areas.

The limestone plateau is the heart of the appellation and forms the backbone of the terroir. Here, the vines grow directly on the hard limestone rock after a thin layer of soil. This soil is particularly valuable because it can store water and make it available to the vines through capillary action, even during dry periods. The vines have to root deeply to find nutrients, which gives the wines a pronounced minerality. These soils are ideal for Merlot, as they promote its fruity and elegant characteristics.

The slopes of the plateau, also known as ‘coteaux’, offer the vines excellent sun exposure and promote early ripening of the grapes. The soils here consist of clayey and calcareous molasse, a soft rock that is easily penetrated by the roots. The clay in the subsoil ensures sufficient water supply in summer and prevents waterlogging during wet periods. These soils promote a good balance between fruit and structure in the wines.

Famous Saint-Emilion wine producers

Chateau Angelus, Chateau Ausone, Chateau Cheval Blanc, Chateau Figeac, Chateau Pavie, the list goes on and on. Below some other chateaux, check our stocklist for other available wines from Saint-Emillion.

What does a Saint-Émilion wine taste like?

As you might expect, the wines from Saint-Émilion cannot be lumped together due to the different terroirs. Or perhaps fortunately, as this allows you to enjoy a fascinating variety. The limestone plateau, for example, produces very mineral wines that are characterised by elegance and depth. The Coteaux produce fruity and structured wines with a good balance. The lighter wines, which are accessible early on, come from the sandy soils.

Nevertheless, there are a few similarities. A typical Saint-Émilion wine is dry, full-bodied and smooth. The aromas range from red berries such as cherries and currants to floral notes and delicate herbal spices. The best wines are characterised by a perfect balance between fruit, acidity and tannins. With increasing maturity, they develop complex nuances such as mocha or vanilla.

What food goes well with wines from Saint-Émilion?

A Saint-Émilion wine is generally somewhat finer and more delicate than its Pomerol counterpart. Although game dishes or steak also go well with these wines, we recommend rabbit, as the delicate meat flavours harmonise better. Paprika goulash is also an excellent choice, as are grilled vegetables. If you want to enjoy a mature Saint-Émilion, a porcini mushroom risotto is a perfect accompaniment, as it perfectly complements the tertiary aromas of the wine.

However, if you have a Premier Grand Cru Classé A or B in front of you, we have a completely different tip for you: enjoy it on its own and live in the moment. These are vinophile memories that you will never forget. We promise. Would you like to learn more about the wines from Saint-Émilion? Then let yourself be inspired by the large and sophisticated range at Best of Wines!