Imagine a small village nestled in the heart of the Médoc, surrounded by prestigious vineyards and caressed by the humid climate of the Gironde. Welcome to Saint-Julien, an iconic appellation of the Bordeaux vineyard whose magnificent wines are renowned for their ability to combine power and elegance.
Here, we offer you an overview of this jewel of French wine heritage. Prepare your taste buds and let’s set off together to discover the history, terroirs, and wines of Saint-Julien!
Summary
History of the Saint-Julien AOC
The history of the Saint-Julien appellation is rooted in a winemaking tradition that dates back to Antiquity. Indeed, it was the Romans who introduced the vine to the Bordeaux region as early as the 1st century AD. The first traces of vines in this central part of the Médoc indeed appear during the Roman occupation, despite the marshy nature of the soils in the region.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, viticulture declined due to barbarian invasions and political instability. It was only in the Middle Ages that viticulture truly regained momentum, largely thanks to the efforts of abbeys and monasteries. The monks then played a key role in the organization and development of the French vineyard.
Although as early as the 12th century, writings mention wines produced in this part of present-day Gironde, it was not until the middle of the 13th century that the vineyard developed more significantly. The estates came under the control of the nobility.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, Médoc viticulture entered a period of radiance. With the development of maritime trade, Bordeaux wines began to travel beyond French borders. The finesse and elegance of Saint-Julien’s crus particularly appealed to nobles as well as wealthy English and Dutch merchants.
The 18th marked a decisive turning point for Saint-Julien and the Médoc. The major drainage works undertaken by the Dutch transformed much of the marshy land into terroirs suitable for viticulture. It was at this time that many prestigious Saint-Julien estates were established.
The year 1855 was also a landmark moment for Saint-Julien. On the occasion of the Paris Universal Exhibition, Napoleon III requested a classification of the great wines of Bordeaux. Saint-Julien stood out in particular and 11 estates were recognized as "Grand Cru Classé", confirming the future appellation’s place among the most prestigious wine terroirs.
However, the 20th century began with difficulty. The two world wars disrupted wine production. Nevertheless, the region managed to recover from these challenges thanks to the determination of winegrowers to preserve their traditions and terroirs.
In 1936, the Saint-Julien Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) was officially established, guaranteeing the authenticity and quality of the wines produced. The harvesting of grapes, vinification, production, and aging of the wines were then defined as having to take place exclusively in 3 communes : Saint-Julien-Beychevelle, Cussac-Fort-Médoc, and Saint-Laurent-Médoc.
From the 1980s onwards, the enthusiasm for the great wines of Bordeaux exploded. Saint-Julien fully benefited, attracting enthusiasts and collectors from all over the world.
Today, the Saint-Julien AOC covers around 920 hectares of vines and the wines produced in this exceptional vineyard are renowned for their masterful balance combining power and refinement, captivating enthusiasts and experts worldwide.
Map of Bordeaux appellations with, to the west, Médoc and Saint-Julien
Soils and climate of the Saint-Julien appellation
The wines of Saint-Julien owe their exceptional character above all to their terroir. This vineyard is indeed dominated by quaternary gravel soils formed over the centuries by deposits of pebbles and sand.
Beneath these superficial soils, a clay-limestone subsoil completes this exceptional terroir. The vines thus benefit from optimal conditions : the gravels retain heat and promote good ripening, while the clay-limestone subsoil allows for water retention, preventing any water stress for the vine.
The moderate oceanic climate of Saint-Julien also plays a key role in the quality of the local wines. Indeed, while summers are often hot here, the Gironde and the Atlantic Ocean act as thermal regulators, mitigating extreme heat. Sunny days also allow for good photosynthesis, while cool nights, regulated by the surrounding bodies of water, enable the grapes to retain their freshness and acidity.
The Saint-Julien vineyard also benefits from well-distributed rainfall throughout the year, thus providing a constant water supply for the vines without too much risk of water stress.
Vines within the Saint-Julien AOC
The wines of the Saint-Julien AOC
Are you a fan of powerful reds and elegant wines? The wines of Saint-Julien will not disappoint you ! Red is in fact the only color permitted for the appellation’s cuvées, which are made from 4 key grape varieties.
- Cabernet Sauvignon : covering 65% of the vineyard, it sets the tone for the wines. It brings structure, tannins, aromas, and aging potential.
- Merlot: it brings roundness and fruitiness to the blends and covers about 25% of the vineyard. It softens the power of Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Cabernet Franc: this variety is used to bring aromatic finesse and freshness to the wines. It covers about 5% of the appellation’s vineyard.
- Petit Verdot: a complementary grape, it contributes to the complexity of the blends with its spicy aromas and deep color. It represents about 5% of the vines planted.
In almost all cases, the crus of Saint-Julien are blended wines where Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot play a decisive role. Other very minor varieties such as Malbec or Carmenère may also be used by winegrowers.
If we were to define a bottle of Saint-Julien in a slightly caricatured way, it could be described as follows : a red wine distinguished by a deep color and a seductive balance, between power and finesse. On tasting, aromas of red and black fruits (cherry, blackberry, blackcurrant, plum) appear, accompanied by delicious spicy notes such as pepper. Woody flavors and spices from oak barrel aging (vanilla, clove, cinnamon, tobacco, etc.) are also present.
Saint-Julien wines are also undoubtedly age-worthy wines, with most cuvées able to be kept for 10 years without issue, while the greatest wines of the appellation can improve over several decades if the vintage allows.
Cabernet Sauvignon reigns supreme in the wines of Saint-Julien
The Grands Crus Classés of the Saint-Julien appellation
As mentioned earlier, the Saint-Julien appellation benefits from several estates labeled " Grand Cru Classé ", and this since 1855 thanks to Napoleon III’s desire to distinguish the best estates in the region.
The Saint-Julien AOC thus has a total of 11 Grands Crus, divided among the Second, Third, and Fourth Growths. These estates are undoubtedly the most prestigious of the appellation and are recognized for their consistently high quality. Here is their list.
Second Growths :
- Château Ducru-Beaucaillou
- Château Gruaud-Larose
- Château Léoville-Barton
- Château Léoville-Las-Cases
- Château Léoville-Poyferré
Third Growths :
- Château Lagrange
- Château Langoa-Barton
Fourth Growths :
- Château Beychevelle
- Château Branaire-Ducru
- Château Saint-Pierre
- Château Talbot
What to eat with a Saint-Julien wine?
With their beautiful structure and aromatic richness, Saint-Julien wines pair wonderfully with generous and flavorful dishes. Here are some suggestions to ensure an optimal tasting experience !
Red meats are classic must-haves here. A grilled beef steak or lamb with intense flavors pairs perfectly with the structure of Saint-Julien wines.
Game meats such as venison or deer also find their place alongside a bottle of Saint-Julien. The richness and measured strength of the local cuvées perfectly complement the texture and robust flavor of these meats.
Finally, poultry as well as dishes based on mushrooms and truffles are also an excellent choice. Coq au vin, porcini risotto, or chicken with morels will be divine combinations with a fine bottle of Saint-Julien !
To get the most out of the wines of the appellation, we also recommend serving them between 16 and 18°C to reveal all their aromatic richness. Finally, if you drink a young Saint-Julien, do not hesitate to decant your bottle a few hours before tasting, as this will soften the tannic power and, once again, reveal all its aromas !
Lamb and Saint-Julien: a delicious pairing
The best wines of the Saint-Julien AOC
Many estates could be highlighted here, as the Saint-Julien appellation is full of treasures. Nevertheless, La Cave Éclairée particularly recommends the wines of Château Gruaud Larose, an iconic property of the region.
Created in 1725, Château Gruaud-Larose now belongs to the Merlaut family (Taillan group). Classified as a Second Grand Cru, the 82-hectare vineyard of the estate is located in the southern part of the appellation and is set on a terroir mainly composed of deep gravels.
The Merlaut family promotes wines with a more approachable and indulgent style than in the past. The fruit is therefore highlighted to make the cuvées more accessible in their youth, while preserving the long aging potential of these magnificent crus. Both their first wine and their second cuvée (Sarget de Gruaud Larose) are absolutely worth discovering !
You are now a true expert on Saint-Julien! With its millennial history, refined wines, and unique terroir, this appellation is a true invitation to discovery. Want to know more? Visit our website La Cave Éclairée to discover our selections and share your opinions. See you soon !
