AOC Saint-émilion

Saint-Émilion is certainly one of the most famous appellations in the world. Indeed, who has never heard of the refined and elegant red wines of Saint-Émilion? Located on the right bank of the Dordogne, in the Bordeaux vineyard, this prestigious appellation benefits from an exceptional terroir and a very rich wine history. Discover through this guide everything you need to know about the history, terroir and grape varieties of the wines of the Saint-Émilion appellation. Also follow our advice for creating the best food and wine pairings with a bottle of Saint-Émilion red wine.

What is the history of the Saint-Émilion vineyard?

The wine history of Saint-Émilion dates back to Roman times, when the first vineyards were planted in the region. In the Middle Ages, the Saint-Émilion vineyard then experienced a real boom, thanks to the Benedictine monks who developed the cultivation of vines and wine production in the Bordeaux region. The village of Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bears witness to this rich history with its churches, monasteries, historical monuments and vineyards. Over the centuries, the red wines of Saint-Émilion have acquired an international reputation, thanks to the exceptional quality of their terroirs and the expertise of the winegrowers. In 1954, the Saint-Émilion appellation was officially recognized and today benefits from three levels of classification: Saint-Émilion, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru and Saint-Émilion Grands Crus Classés. This classification is revised every ten years to guarantee the quality and excellence of the wines produced.

Climate and terroir of the Saint-Émilion appellation

• Climate: The climate of the Saint-Émilion appellation is of the temperate oceanic type, characterized by mild winters, hot summers and well-distributed precipitation throughout the year. The vineyards also benefit from the proximity of the Dordogne, which moderates temperatures and reduces the risk of spring frosts.
• Soils: The terroir of Saint-Émilion is very diverse, composed of clay-limestone, gravelly and sandy soils. This variety of soils makes it possible to produce wines with different aromatic and taste profiles, depending on the plots. The limestone hillsides of Saint-Émilion offer ideal conditions for viticulture, with good drainage and optimal exposure.

The different appellations of Saint-Émilion

The Saint-Émilion appellation is divided into three classification levels: Saint-Émilion and Saint-Émilion Grand Cru and Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé.

Saint-Émilion: This appellation covers approximately 5,500 hectares of vineyards, producing elegant and fruity red wines. The wines of this appellation are generally accessible when younger, with a beautiful expression of the terroir.

Saint-Émilion Grand Cru: This appellation covers approximately 1,000 hectares of vineyards, producing high-quality red wines, with a more pronounced tannic structure and superior aging potential. The wines of Saint-Émilion Grand Cru come from selected plots and meet stricter production criteria.

Saint-Émilion Grands Crus Classés: Within the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation, some estates stand out even more and are classified as Grands Crus Classés. This classification, revised every ten years, distinguishes the estates that produce exceptional wines in terms of quality and consistency. The Saint-Émilion Grands Crus Classés are recognized for their complexity, their aromatic depth and their remarkable capacity for aging, representing the pinnacle of Bordeaux's winemaking excellence.

The main grape varieties of the Saint-Émilion appellation

The Saint-Émilion appellation is dominated by typically Bordeaux grape varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot is the main grape variety, representing approximately 60% of the grape varieties, followed by Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Merlot: This grape variety brings aromas of ripe red fruits (cherry, strawberry, plum), flowers (violet) and liquorice. It gives Saint-Émilion wines a silky texture, a beautiful roundness and velvety tannins.

Cabernet Franc: Cabernet Franc brings notes of red fruits (raspberry, redcurrant), spices (pepper) and noble vegetal. It contributes to the tannic structure and freshness of the wines.

Cabernet Sauvignon: This emblematic Bordeaux grape variety brings aromas of black fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry), spices and cedar. It gives Saint-Émilion wines a solid tannic structure and an exceptional aging capacity.

What is the style of Saint-Émilion wines?

Eye: Saint-Émilion red wine has a ruby ​​to garnet color.

Nose: Saint-Émilion produces red wines with a complex and generous aromatic palette.

Palate: Saint-Émilion red wines are powerful and full-bodied, with solid but velvety tannins and flavors of ripe fruit and spices. The beautiful roundness of the mid-palate as well as a fine acidity balance the tasting. The finish is long and persistent, often marked by notes of cocoa and smoke.

Serving temperature: preferably between 16 and 18 °C.

Aging potential: Saint-Émilion wines can be enjoyed young for their fruitiness and liveliness, however the grands crus deserve to age for 10 to 20 years (or more depending on the château and the vintage) to develop the complexity of the aromas and polish the tannins.

The best food and wine pairings with Saint-Émilion

Here are our best recipe ideas to enhance a red wine from a château in AOC Saint-Émilion or AOC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru:

• Duck breast
• Beef entrecote with Bordeaux sauce
• Roasted lamb saddles with herbs
• Hare stew
• Guinea fowl with chanterelles
• Tournedos Rossini
• Duck parmentier

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