Saint-Émilion AOP

Saint-Émilion in brief

2 appellations: AOP Saint-Émilion & AOP Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
100 % red wines
Key grape varieties: merlot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon

What is Saint-Émilion?

Saint-Émilion is a town located in the Bordeaux region, on the right bank of the Dordogne. It includes 2 wine appellations, AOP Saint-Émilion and AOP Saint-Émilion Grand Cru, and accounts for approximately 5 % of Bordeaux plantings.

The Saint-Émilion wine classification was created in 1955 for the AOC Grand Cru. It is revised every 10 years. There are 3 categories: Grand Cru Classé, 1er Grand Cru Classé B and 1er Grand Cru Classé A. Only 4 châteaux belong to this last category: Château Cheval Blanc, Château Pavie, Château Ausone and Château Angélus.

The climate is moderate maritime. Main risks associated with viticulture are fungal diseases, due to the high level of humidity, as well as spring frosts and hail storms. Soils are rich in clay. Merlot grape variety thrives in this region, and represents the vast majority of the region’s plantings. The maximum yield for a Grand Cru is 46 hl/ha.

Léa Gatinois DipWSET