Located on the right bank of the Dordogne, within the Bordeaux region, Saint-Émilion is one of the vineyard appellations whose reputation extends far beyond French borders.
Renowned for its magnificent red wines, the Libourne AOC indeed symbolizes French viticultural expertise in all its splendor... and the opinions of many enthusiasts confirm it !
This controlled designation of origin naturally deserved an entire article to detail its history, its terroirs, its grape varieties, and of course its vintages, including its famous Grands Crus. After reading this, you will know everything about Saint-Émilion.
Summary
- History of the AOC Saint-Émilion
- Soils and climate of the Saint-Émilion appellation
- The wines of the AOC Saint-Émilion
- Saint-Émilion and Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellations, what are the differences?
- The classification of Saint-Émilion Grands Crus Classés
- What to eat with a Saint-Émilion wine?
- What are the best wines of Saint-Émilion?
History of the AOC Saint-Émilion
The wine history of Saint-Émilion began over 2,000 years ago.The first traces of winemaking in the region indeed date back to 56 BC, during the Roman era.
However, a little over a century later, it was Emperor Domitius who decided to uproot many vines in the Bordeaux region to favor Italian wines. The expansion of the vineyard would wait and only resume from the 3rd century, thanks to another emperor: Probus.
At the fall of the Roman Empire, and as in almost all vineyards in France, it was Christianity and the monks who enabled the preservation and development of the vineyards through the use of wine during masses.
At the end of the 8th century, the local village of Ascumbas took the current name of Saint-Émilion, in homage to the Breton monk Émilion, who ended his life in the region and was recognized for his great charity.
In the 12th century, under the influence of the Plantagenets (kings of England and dukes of Aquitaine during this period), the local wines were easily exported to England, thus promoting a solid growth of the vineyard. In 1199, the creation of the Jurade of Saint-Émilion by John Lackland was also a key moment for the vineyard. This brotherhood indeed ensured the regulation and promotion of the wines, thus contributing to the growing reputation of the wines of Saint-Émilion.
The 18th and 19th centuries were witnesses to significant technological advancements that considerably influenced the quality of wines.
The Saint-Émilion appellation was officially created in 1936 and, in 1948, the Jurade, which was dissolved during the Revolution, was reborn from its ashes to continue its primary mission: to promote the nectars of Saint-Émilion, both in France and internationally.
Another significant event, the classification of the Grands Crus of Saint-Émilion was created in 1955...but we will return to this in detail later in the article.
Covering a vast area of 5,400 hectares, the Saint-Émilion Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée has today become an absolute reference, according to all enthusiasts of great red wines. Finesse, elegance, and complexity characterize the vintage wines of the AOC.
Soils and climate of the Saint-Émilion appellation
The secret of the great wines of Saint-Émilion lies in the perfect symbiosis between an exceptional terroir and a favorable climate.The vineyards here indeed benefit from mild winters and hot summers, with the Dordogne tempering climatic extremes. This climate allows the grapes to ripen slowly, thus ensuring intense aromas and a savory tannic balance, two essential elements in the production of great wines.
Four main types of soils are present in the appellation and bring a unique typicity to the cuvées:
- Limestone plateau: The heart of the terroir of Saint-Émilion is located on a limestone plateau, around the town of Saint-Émilion itself. These limestone lands offer good drainage and adequate water retention, thus promoting ideal grape maturation. It is here that some of the most prestigious estates are found.
- Hillsides (coteaux): The slopes around the plateau, called "côtes," are composed of limestone to clay-limestone soils. These well-drained lands favor the production of concentrated and complex wines. They are among the most sought-after lands for producing great aging wines.
- Foot of the slopes: The lands located at the bottom of the slopes are often richer in clay and allow for the production of rounder and fruitier cuvées, with a softer texture.
- Gravelly and sandy terraces: In the lower part of the appellation, near the Dordogne, there are gravel and sand soils.These warmer and well-drained lands allow for the production of wines that are often more accessible and fruity in their youth, although some can also offer good aging potential.
All these conditions, whether climatic or soil-related, enable winemakers to create beautiful vintage reds with very different profiles.
The terroir of Saint-Émilion
The wines of the AOC Saint-Émilion
Saint-Émilion produces exclusively reds and, according to experts, these are known for the ability to combine power and class.
Let's first analyze the different grape varieties of the appellation before delving deeper into the wine profiles.
The grape varieties used in the wines of the AOP Saint-Émilion
Each red wine of the controlled designation of origin Saint-Émilion is made from one or more of these main grape varieties: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Merlot, representing about 60 to 70 % of the local vineyard, brings to the wines its roundness, smoothness, as well as aromas of ripe fruits, such as plum or black cherry.This grape variety also has rather smooth tannins, making the wines accessible in their youth.
The Cabernet Franc accounts for 25 to 30% of the vineyard's planting and plays a key role in the tannic structure as well as the aromatic complexity of Saint-Émilion red wine. It imparts fruity notes, a floral touch (violet), and delicious spicy notes to the blends.
Finally, the Cabernet Sauvignon, although minor in the appellation with less than 10 % of the planting, brings robustness and aging potential to the wines.Its firm tannins and aromas of blackcurrant and black pepper indeed offer the red wine from the region a beautiful longevity as well as a nice balance.
The Merlot grape variety: a pillar of Saint-Émilion wines
Styles and characteristics of Saint-Émilion wines
The wines of Saint-Émilion are renowned for their depth and aromatic complexity.
When young, they reveal intense aromas of red and black fruits such as cherry, blackcurrant, and plum. Floral nuances of violet and touches of spices like black pepper or licorice are often added to this bouquet.These wines, often based on the Merlot grape variety, are also frequently aged in oak barrels, thus imparting notes of vanilla and sweet spices.
With aging, Saint-Émilion wines gain in suppleness and class. The aromas then evolve towards tertiary notes of truffle, leather, tobacco, or undergrowth, aromas appreciated by lovers of old vintage wines.
Depending on their terroir, vintage, the quality of the plant material, and the winemaker's skill, Saint-Émilion wines have variable aging potentials.
The less prestigious wines, more focused on fruit, generally keep for a maximum of 5 to 10 years, while the cuvées from the finest terroirs, such as those from the Grands Crus of the appellation, can age gracefully for 10, 20, or even 30 years !
In summary, if the red wine from the Saint-Émilion appellation is renowned and distinguished in many wine guides, it is primarily due to the quality of the land, its grape varieties, and the talent of its winemakers!
Saint-Émilion and Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Appellations, what are the differences?
If you own a bottle bearing the mention “ Saint-Émilion Grand Cru ”, it means that your red wine is distinguished by more rigorous production criteria.
Indeed, to obtain this designation, stricter requirements are imposed on the estates in terms of yield, grape maturity, and winemaking processes compared to the "classic" Saint-Émilion AOC. One of the essential aspects is notably a minimum aging of 12 months before the wines are marketed.
In general, wines in the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOP are often perceived as higher quality and with a longer aging potential, while wines in the "simple" AOC Saint-Émilion (without the Grand Cru mention) often offer a more immediate and accessible style.
However, be aware that the designation Saint-Émilion Grand Cru should not be confused with the classification of Grands Crus Classés and Premiers Grands Crus Classés !
The classification of Grands Crus Classés Saint-Émilion
The classification of Grands Crus Classés of Saint-Émilion (not to be confused with the previously discussed designation concepts), is a system created to distinguish the best wines produced within the Saint-Émilion appellation.
This classification is re-evaluated every 10 years and is based on numerous criteria.Indeed, while the quality of the wines is of course taken into account during blind tastings, other elements such as reputation, wine tourism, and environmental respect are also considered.
Ultimately, out of the more than 800 vineyards within the appellation, 85 were distinguished in the 2022 ranking with the following hierarchy:
- Premiers Grands Crus Classés A : 2 châteaux (Château Figeac and Château Pavie)
- Premiers Grands Crus Classés B : 12 châteaux (Château Trottevieille, Château Valandraud, Château Canon La Gaffelière etc.)
- Grands Crus Classés : 71 properties
If this classification informs consumers about the quality of wines produced by the properties, it is not without controversy. Thus, in 2022, two of the most emblematic estates of the appellation, Château Cheval Blanc and Château Ausone, indeed decided to no longer participate in this classification following disagreements concerning the ranking criteria and their weighting.
Nevertheless, these properties, benefiting from a very strong international reputation as well as glowing reviews in numerous specialized guides, it is likely that this will change little for them !
The hierarchy of the Saint-Émilion classification
What to eat with a Saint-Émilion wine?
Thanks to their structure and aromatic complexity, Saint-Émilion wines lend themselves to superb pairings. Here are some suggestions to enhance your meals.
- Red meats: grilled rib of beef, roasted leg of lamb or even duck breast are timeless classics that pair perfectly with the power and finesse of Saint-Émilion red wine. One can also quite imagine certain pairings with game (pheasant, wild boar, etc.) with the most powerful wines or with old vintages !
- White meats : chicken in mushroom sauce, veal marengo, or even sweetbreads in cream also pair very well with local wines. Brie de Meaux, Saint-Nectaire, Camembert aged or old Comté will also pair very well with young Saint-Émilion on the fruit or old vintages. Regardless of the age of your Saint-Émilion red, we also recommend serving it around 16-18°C for optimal tasting.
So, ready to enjoy a good Saint-Émilion with one of these dishes? You just have to choose your favorite pairing!
Lamb leg and red wine from Saint-Émilion: a timeless pairing
What are the best wines of Saint-Émilion ?
With so many prestigious estates, it's hard to choose ! Nevertheless,
Located just a few steps from the very village of Saint-Émilion, Le Château Trotte Vieille is a historic estate that embodies the elegance and tradition of Bordeaux. Its vines, among the oldest in the appellation, produce wines of remarkable finesse and intensity. The property is renowned for its ability to offer powerful wines with impressive aromatic subtlety. The opinions of enthusiasts are almost unanimous, and the vineyard is highlighted in numerous wine guides. Go for it without hesitation!
Le Château Leydet-Valentin offers a more contemporary vision of Saint-Émilion. Managed by the Leydet family, the wines here are generous, indulgent, and rounded.Wine enthusiasts who appreciate expressive and charming wines will indeed find in the Leydet-Valentin vintages a perfect balance between richness and character, while maintaining the typical elegance of Saint-Émilion wines.
You are now a true expert on the AOP Saint-Émilion and its wine wonders. If you wish to continue deepening your knowledge, visit
See you soon and feel free to leave us a review on this article !
