Imagine a small village nestled in the heart of the Médoc, surrounded by prestigious vineyards and caressed by the humid climate of the Gironde. Here you are in Saint-Julien, an iconic appellation of the Bordeaux vineyard, whose magnificent wines are renowned for their ability to combine power and elegance.
We offer you here an overview of this jewel of French wine heritage.Prepare your taste buds and let's embark together on a journey to discover the history, terroirs, and wines of Saint-Julien!
Summary
History of the AOC Saint-Julien
The history of the Saint-Julien appellation is part of 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 began to flourish again, 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.
If as early as the 12th century, writings mention the wines produced in this part of the current Gironde, it is only in the middle of the 13th century that the vineyard develops there more significantly. The properties come under the control of the nobility.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, Médoc viticulture enters a period of radiance. With the development of maritime trade, Bordeaux wines indeed begin to travel beyond French borders. The finesse and elegance of the Saint-Julien vintages particularly captivate the nobles as well as the wealthy English and Dutch merchants.
The 18th century marks a decisive turning point for Saint-Julien and the Médoc.The major drainage works undertaken by the Dutch then transformed a large part of the marshy lands into areas suitable for viticulture. It was during this period that many prestigious estates in Saint-Julien were established.
The year 1855 is also a significant moment for Saint-Julien. On the occasion of the Paris Universal Exposition, Napoleon III requested a classification of the great wines of Bordeaux. Saint-Julien stood out particularly, and 11 properties were distinguished as "Grand Cru Classé," confirming the future appellation's place among the most prestigious wine-growing regions.
However, the 20th century began with difficulties. The two world wars disrupted wine production.However, the region will succeed in overcoming these challenges thanks to the winemakers' determination 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 grape harvest, winemaking, production, and aging of the wines were then defined as having to be carried out in 3 communes : Saint-Julien-Beychevelle, Cussac-Fort-Médoc, and Saint-Laurent-Médoc.
Starting from the 1980s, the enthusiasm for the great wines of Bordeaux exploded. Saint-Julien fully benefited from this, attracting enthusiasts and collectors from around the world.
Today, the AOC Saint-Julien covers approximately 920 hectares of vineyards, and the wines produced within 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 primarily to their terroir. This vineyard is indeed dominated by quaternary gravel soils formed over centuries by deposits of pebbles and sand.
Under these superficial soils, a clay-limestone subsoil completes this exceptional terroir. The vines thus benefit from optimal conditions : the gravel retains heat and promotes 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 local wines. Indeed, while summers are often hot here, the Gironde and the Atlantic Ocean act as a thermal regulator, mitigating extreme heat. The sunny days also allow for good photosynthesis, while the cool nights, regulated by the surrounding bodies of water, help the dried grapes maintain their freshness and acidity.
The vineyard of Saint-Julien 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 AOC Saint-Julien
The wines of the AOC Saint-Julien
Are you a fan of powerful red wines and elegant ones? The wines of Saint-Julien will not disappoint you ! Red is indeed the only color allowed for the appellation's cuvées, which are made from 4 key grape varieties.
- The Cabernet Sauvignon : covering 65% of the vineyard, it sets the tone in the wines. It provides structure, tannins, aromas, and aging potential.
- The Merlot: it imparts roundness and fruitiness to the blends and covers about 25% of the vineyard. It softens the power of the Cabernet Sauvignon.
- The Cabernet Franc: this variety is used to bring aromatic finesse and freshness to the wines. It covers about 5% of the vineyard of the appellation.
- The Petit Verdot: a supplementary grape variety, it contributes to the complexity of the blends with its spicy aromas and deep color. It represents about 5% of the planted vines.
In almost all cases, the wines 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 winemakers.
If one were to define a bottle of Saint-Julien in a slightly caricatured manner, it might be described as follows : a red wine distinguished by a deep color and a seductive balance, between power and finesse. In tasting, aromas of red and black fruits (cherry, blackberry, blackcurrant, plum) are present, accompanied by delicious spicy notes such as pepper.Woody flavors and spices from oak barrel aging (vanilla, clove, cinnamon, tobacco, etc.) are also noticeable.
Saint-Julien wines are certainly age-worthy wines, with most vintages able to be stored without issue for 10 years, while the finest wines of the appellation can improve over several decades if the vintage allows.
The 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 properties labeled " Grand Cru Classé ", and this since 1855 thanks to Napoleon III's desire to distinguish the best estates in the region.
The AOC Saint-Julien thus has a total of 11 Grands Crus, distributed among the ranks of Second, Third, and Fourth Crus. These estates are undoubtedly the most prestigious of the appellation and are recognized for their consistent quality of production. 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 essentials here. A grilled beef steak or lamb with intense flavors pairs perfectly with the structure of Saint-Julien wines.
Game meats like venison or deer also find their place alongside a bottle of Saint-Julien. The richness and measured strength of the local vintages wonderfully 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.A coq au vin, a porcini risotto, or a chicken with morels will be divine combinations with a beautiful bottle of Saint-Julien !
To make the most of the wines from this appellation, we also recommend serving them between 16 and 18°C to reveal their full aromatic richness.Finally, if you drink a Saint-Julien in its youth, do not hesitate to decant your bottle a few hours before tasting, 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 AOC Saint-Julien 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 is now owned by the Merlaut family (Taillan group).Classified as a Second Growth, the 82-hectare vineyard of the estate is located in the southern part of the appellation and thrives on a terroir mainly composed of deep gravel.
The Merlaut family advocates for wines with a more fruity and indulgent profile than in the past. The fruit is therefore highlighted to make the wines more accessible in their youth, while preserving the long aging potential of these magnificent wines. Both their first wine and their second label (Sarget de Gruaud Larose) are absolutely worth a visit
You are now a true expert of 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 feedback. See you soon !
