Saint-Estèphe AOC

Saint-Estèphe is a Bordeaux appellation located on the northern tip of the Haut-Médoc. Only a small stream separates it from its neighbouring AOC, Pauillac. The Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety dominates the blends of the vintages in order to bring structure, aromas, as well as a superb ageing potential. Three properties have marked the history of Saint-Estèphe: Calon-Ségur, Cos d'Estournel and Montrose. This AOC has a number of Grands Crus that are not to be missed!

APPELLATION SAINT-ESTÈPHE AOC

Shall we taste?

RED WINE

Appearance: The colour is an intense ruby with purple highlights. With evolution, the colour can take on all shades of deep red. AOC Saint-Estèphe wines have a darker colour than most Médoc wines.

Nose: The bouquet is rich and sustained, with scents of ripe fruit such as blackcurrant and violet. The wine has a rich and sustained bouquet, with ripe fruit aromas of blackcurrant and violet, as well as aromas of wood, spices, liquorice and roasted coffee.

Palate: The palate has a round and powerful structure as well as a good length. After a few years of ageing, the aromas become more complex and the tannins melt away to finally ensure suppleness and harmony.

Serving Temperature: It is advisable to decant the wine 2 hours before serving, especially for young wines. Serve the wine at a temperature of 14-16 °C.

Cellaring Potential : 10 to 20 years.

FOOD & WINE PAIRINGS

RED WINE After a few years of ageing, the Saint-Estèphe, having developed an aromatic complexity, goes wonderfully with game birds such as pheasant or pigeon. It is also delicious with small game, especially hare.

Of Note

HISTORY

Vines have been cultivated in Saint-Estèphe since the Roman occupation. A tradition that has continued throughout the Middle Ages until today. However, its wines were partly forgotten during the classification of 1855, to the benefit of the wines of Pauillac, the neighbouring AOC. To compensate for this injustice, which does not pay tribute to the quality of the terroir or the work of the Saint-Estèphe winegrowers, many estates have since been classified as Cru Bourgeois, such as Château Picard and Château Beau-Site.

THE TERROIR

In Saint-Estèphe, the gravel soils, common to all the Médoc vineyards, contain traces of clay which give its terroir a certain originality. The oceanic climate is softened by the proximity of the Gironde. The wines of Saint-Estèphe are a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Carménère, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Although Cabernet Sauvignon dominates to a large extent, the AOC rules do not impose any particular proportions for the other grape varieties. Some estates, such as Château Haut-Marbuzet, favour the Merlot variety to produce more accessible wines to be drunk young.

Saint-Estèphe AOC