The Saint-Emilion appellation: Elegance and history

At the heart of the Bordeaux region, on the right bank of the Dordogne River, lies one of the most iconic jewels of French wine: the Saint-Émilion appellation. It was one of the first appellations, having been recognized in 1936. More than just a wine-growing region, Saint-Émilion is a true journey through time, between rolling landscapes, ancient heritage, and a passion for wine.

A thousand-year-old history

The appellation takes its name from the charming medieval town of Saint-Émilion, perched on a rocky promontory and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. This recognition not only rewards the beauty of the village, but also its wine-growing landscape shaped by man for nearly two thousand years.

The history of the Saint-Émilion appellation goes back a long way, well before its official recognition. Vines have been present there since Roman times, but it was in the 8th century that a Breton monk named Émilion settled in a cave, giving his name to the medieval town. Saint-Émilion quickly became a place of pilgrimage and an important religious center on the road to Santiago de Compostela.

From the 12th century onwards, under English rule, the wine trade took off, particularly thanks to trade with England, where wines were highly valued. This dynamic would make Saint-Émilion one of the leading centers of Bordeaux wine. Even today, its vineyards, steeped in centuries of tradition, continue to shine throughout the world.

The complex alchemy of the Saint Emilion terroir

The terroir of Saint-Émilion is a complex alchemy that gives the wines their unique identity. It is a sophisticated interplay of geology, climate, and grape varieties.

• Soil Diversity: The limestone plateau is the pillar, giving the wines minerality and great aging potential. The hillsides reveal clay-limestone soils that give roundness to the Merlots, while the plain areas feature gravel and sand, offering finesse and fruity expression. This mosaic allows for optimal adaptation of the grape varieties to each plot.

• Subtle Microclimate: Benefiting from a temperate climate with continental nuances, Saint-Émilion benefits from warm summers for perfect ripening and well-distributed rainfall. The local microclimates, influenced by the hillsides and rivers, modulate the earliness and complexity of the grapes.

• Mastery of the Grape Varieties: Merlot reigns supreme, bringing suppleness and aromatic richness to the clay-limestone soils. Cabernet Franc, on the limestone terroirs, provides freshness and tannic structure. Cabernet Sauvignon completes the blend on the warmer soils, adding density and aging potential.

It is this natural symbiosis, enhanced by the expertise of the winegrowers, which gives birth to the deep and nuanced wines of Saint-Émilion.

The unique classification of the Saint-Emilion appellation

Like the famous 1855 classification that distinguishes the great wines of the Médoc, Saint-Émilion also benefits from a classification of its wines, established in 1955. This official classification of Saint-Émilion wines, however, has a major particularity: unlike the Médoc classification, it is designed to be revised regularly, in principle every ten years. This frequency reflects the evolution of the wine estates and ensures a dynamic of excellence.

This classification includes several levels:

• Grand Cru Classé – These are estates recognized for the quality of their wines and their consistency over several vintages. This level already recognizes in-depth work and a certain reputation.

• Premier Grand Cru Classé B – A notch above, these properties are distinguished by their excellence, the precision of their vinification, the consistency of their production and their international influence.

• Premier Grand Cru Classé A – The top of the ranking. This title is reserved for a handful of exceptional estates, considered absolute benchmarks in the world of wine. Until recently, there were four châteaux classified A, including Château Ausone and Château Cheval Blanc, but some left the ranking during the 2022 edition.

This dynamic provides real motivation to all producers of the appellation and helps to maintain a constant demand for quality.

Food and Wine Pairings

Saint-Émilion wines, primarily made from Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Franc and sometimes Cabernet Sauvignon, offer great versatility for food and wine pairings. Their suppleness and aromas of red and black fruits, often enhanced with spicy, undergrowth, or truffle notes with age, make them ideal partners.

Traditionally, Saint-Émilion wines pair perfectly with red meats (beef, lamb, duck), whose richness balances the wine’s structure. Game birds and dishes in sauce are also enhanced by these wines, particularly more mature vintages that develop more complex notes.

For cheeses, choose matured hard cheeses (Comté) or certain washed-rind cheeses.

Younger Saint-Émilion wines, with their fruitier notes, pair wonderfully with fine charcuterie or roast poultry. The key is to balance the intensity of the dish with that of the wine for perfect harmony.

Our selection of wines from the Saint-Emilion appellation

Château Grand Mayne 1986

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Château Troplong Mondot 2005

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Château Angelus 1996

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