Saint-Estephe
Saint-Estephe is the Medoc's northernmost commune and is situated on the Gironde River's left bank. It is well-known for its rustic wines which are mostly composed of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with lesser percentages of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. While Cabernet Sauvignon dominates the higher proportion of Merlot can be credited to the clay-rich soils, which allow it to ripen well in this chilly zone.
The best wines from Saint-Estephe
Saint-Estephe is the Medoc's northernmost commune and is situated on the Gironde River's left bank. Saint-Estephe became an official AOC in 1936. It is well-known for its rustic wines which are mostly composed of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with lesser percentages of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. While Cabernet Sauvignon dominates the higher proportion of Merlot can be credited to the clay-rich soils, which allow it to ripen well in this chilly zone.
Grapes in wines from St. Estephe
The terroir of Saint-Estephe wines
The terroir of Saint-Estephe is characterised by gravel over limestone and deep clay. The cooler clay soils produce wines with strong tannins and high acidity because they slow down the ripening process. This adds structure to the wine and allows it to age nicely, especially in warmer vintages.
Famous Saint-Estephe wine producers
Prestigious estates like Chateau Cos d'Estournel and Chateau Montrose can be found in Saint-Estephe, these are both Second Growths and are renowned for producing outstanding wines that age well. Also Chateau Montrose is an wellknown estate, which has been awarded 100 points by Robert Parker for the 2009 and 2010 vintages. Another estate that’s is wellknown is Château Cos d'Estournel, renowned for its elegance wine. The region also has 19 high-grade Cru Bourgeois estates that compete with some of the classified growths in quality.