Saint Emilion appellation wine
Saint Emilion appellation wine

Saint Emilion Appellation

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Located on the right bank of the Bordeaux wine region, the Saint-Émilion appellation is among the most prestigious in Bordeaux and benefits from its own classification recognised worldwide. Its varied terroirs, dominated by clay-limestone and gravelly soils, favour the expression of merlot, often accompanied by cabernet franc. Saint-Émilion wines stand out for their generous texture, aromatic depth and remarkable ageing potential, revealing over time notes of dark fruits, spices and truffle. Iconic estates such as Château Cheval Blanc, Château Ausone, Château Angélus and Château Figeac contribute to the international renown of this great appellation.

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Crus classés de Saint Emilion

Crus classés de Saint Emilion
Grands crus classés de Bordeaux

Grands crus classés de Bordeaux
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The F.A.Q

Quelle est l'histoire du vignoble de Saint Emilion ?

Le vignoble de Saint-Émilion, situé sur la rive droite de la Dordogne en Gironde, est l’un des plus anciens de France, avec des origines gallo-romaines. Son nom vient du moine Émilion, qui s’installa dans la région au VIIIe siècle. Dès le Moyen Âge, les moines développent la viticulture, et les vins commencent à être exportés, notamment vers l’Angleterre. Après des siècles d’évolution, la région se distingue au XIXe siècle par la qualité de ses terroirs. En 1955, un classement spécifique des vins de Saint-Émilion est créé, révisable tous les 10 ans, une rareté à Bordeaux. En 1999, la cité médiévale et son vignoble sont inscrits au patrimoine mondial de l’UNESCO comme paysage culturel vivant. Aujourd’hui, Saint-Émilion est un symbole d’excellence viticole et un haut lieu de l’œnotourisme.

Quelles sont les spécificités de l'appellation Saint Emilion ?

L'appellation Saint-Émilion est à la fois un village historique, classé au patrimoine mondial de l'UNESCO, et le nom d'un vignoble mondialement reconnu. Ce vignoble est en réalité composé de deux appellations d'origine contrôlée (AOC) : Saint-Émilion et Saint-Émilion Grand Cru.

Bien qu'elles couvrent la même zone géographique, ces deux appellations ne désignent pas les mêmes vins. L'appellation Saint-Émilion Grand Cru est réservée aux vins qui répondent à des critères de qualité plus stricts, comme des rendements plus faibles et un élevage plus long. C'est au sein de cette appellation que l'on retrouve le prestigieux Classement de Saint-Émilion, qui distingue les Grands Crus Classés et les Premiers Grands Crus Classés.

Grâce à la grande diversité de ses sols, l'appellation Saint-Émilion produit des vins rouges d'une richesse exceptionnelle. Leurs profils peuvent varier du souple et fruité au puissant et minéral. Malgré cette diversité, tous les vins de Saint-Émilion partagent des valeurs communes de qualité, d'authenticité et de convivialité, qui font la renommée de la région.

Avec quels plats les vins de Saint Émilion s'accordent-ils le mieux ?

Les vins de Saint-Émilion s'accordent à merveille avec les plats en sauce, les viandes rouges ainsi qu’avec les fromages. Leur souplesse et leur fruité les rendent particulièrement adaptés aux classiques de la cuisine française.

The history of the Saint-Émilion appellation 

The Saint-Émilion vineyard has a particularly ancient viticultural history, with origins dating back more than two millennia, when the Romans planted the first vines on these lands on the right bank of Bordeaux. In the 8th century, a Breton monk named Émilion settled in the region and gave his name to the town, around which a village gradually developed, marked by a religious presence and by monuments carved directly into the limestone rock. Over the centuries, the reputation of Saint-Émilion wines grew, particularly from the 18th century onwards, when the wines began to be exported and to gain international recognition. This historical organisation of winegrowers took shape with the creation in 1884 of the first wine trade union in France, followed by the official recognition in 1936 of the AOP Saint-Émilion and AOP Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellations. The identity and qualitative hierarchy of the appellation are further reinforced by the classification of the Crus Classés de Saint-Émilion, established in 1955 and regularly revised, which distinguishes the most prestigious estates in the vineyard.

A climate favourable to the ripening of great wines

This historic vineyard also benefits from a temperate oceanic climate, typical of the Bordeaux region, which encourages a progressive and regular ripening of the grapes. The influence of the Atlantic brings mild temperatures and moderate rainfall, while the proximity of the Dordogne helps regulate temperatures. The varied terroirs play an essential role in the identity of the wines: the limestone plateaux and the clay-limestone hillsides promote finesse and aromatic freshness, while sandy or gravelly soils give rise to wines that are softer in their youth. This geological diversity, combined with a favourable climate, explains the richness and complexity of the great Saint-Émilion wines.

The grape varieties and style of Saint-Émilion wines

The wines of Saint-Émilion are principally made from merlot, the dominant grape variety of the Bordeaux right bank. It brings roundness, generosity and a characteristically velvety texture. Cabernet franc also plays an essential role in the blends, contributing freshness, structure and aromatic complexity. More marginal, cabernet sauvignon may complement certain cuvées.

The style of the appellation's wines is often characterised by a great aromatic richness. In their youth, the wines reveal notes of ripe dark fruits, cherry, plum and blackcurrant. Over time, more evolved aromas of undergrowth, truffle, leather and gentle spices emerge. The most prestigious wines are distinguished by a harmonious structure and a texture that is both dense and elegant, the hallmark of great Saint-Émilion wines.

The iconic wines of the Saint-Émilion appellation and their great vintages

Among the properties that have contributed to the international renown of the appellation, several châteaux embody the excellence of great Saint-Émilion wines. Château Cheval Blanc, Premier Grand Cru Classé A, is celebrated for the elegance and complexity of its wines, with particularly outstanding vintages such as 1947, 1982, 1990, 2000 and 2010.

Another absolute reference, Château Ausone, also Premier Grand Cru Classé A, produces wines of great finesse and exceptional ageing potential. The vintages 1989, 1998, 2005 and 2016 are among the most sought-after.

Château Angélus, a major figure in the appellation, has distinguished itself with remarkable vintages such as 1990, 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015, offering powerful and refined wines. Château Figeac, recognised for the high proportion of cabernet in its blends, produces wines of great elegance, notably in the vintages 1982, 1990, 2000, 2005 and 2016.

Other prestigious properties such as Château Pavie, Château Canon, Château La Gaffelière, Château Troplong Mondot also contribute to the richness and diversity of the great Saint-Émilion wines, with many remarkable vintages such as 1998, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2015 and 2016.

Buy your wine from SoDivin

Ordering a wine from the Saint-Émilion appellation from SoDivin means choosing a service of excellence dedicated to lovers of great wines. Benefit from same-day dispatch for any order placed before 2pm, with delivery as soon as the next day. Each bottle receives particular care, and our packaging ensures optimal protection during transit.

SoDivin also offers you the option of adding a personalised message as well as wooden gift boxes, ideal for giving on the occasion of a birthday or other event. In addition, you can choose your delivery date to suit your needs. Our wines are kept in optimal conditions and you can view high-definition photos online of each bottle before you purchase, for complete transparency.

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