Saint-Estèphe or Saint-Émilion?

The Médoc subregion extends over 70 kilometres along the left bank of the Gironde. Saint-Estèphe, like all the Médoc vineyards, is influenced by the river and the rivers or waterways (esteys) it crosses. The vineyard is thus bounded by the water and covers most of the territory of the commune of Saint-Estèphe, structuring the landscape. Hills, hamlets and châteaux stand out harmoniously among the well-aligned rows of vines.

The soil of the Saint-Estèphe appellation is mainly gravelly with areas that are more or less clayey, calcareous, sandy or marly, depending on their proximity to the estuary. This variety of soils allows for the production of wines that are complex, carried by the power of Cabernet Sauvignon and the finesse of Merlot.

Although several grape varieties are authorised in the Saint-Estèphe appellation, it is Cabernet Sauvignon, the traditional black grape variety of the Médoc, that dominates the area under vine (50%). Originally from the Gironde, it was created by crossing Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc.

Vigorous and late-flowering, it needs warmth and dry conditions to flourish and ripen its thick-skinned berries. It therefore thrives particularly in the gravelly, well-drained and well-exposed soils of Saint-Estèphe. Cabernet Sauvignon brings structure and elegance to wines. Its tannins are the hallmark of the longevity of Bordeaux's grands crus. With controlled maturing and ageing, its aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, plum, sweet pepper, violet, sweet spices and vegetal notes give way to notes of chocolate, smoke, liquorice, undergrowth, tobacco, truffle and vanilla.

The second most commonly planted grape variety in the Saint-Estèphe AOC is Merlot, which accounts for 40% of the area under vine. It gives the wines colour, suppleness and fruitiness. Cabernet Franc (7% of the vine population) brings balance and finesse. Petit Verdot (2%), Carmenere and Malbec, which are found in smaller proportions, confirm the character of the wines.

Saint-Émilion AOC was created in 1936 and is located on the right bank of the Bordeaux vineyards, in the Libourne subregion. It covers 5,000 hectares spread over nine municipalities in the Gironde department. Bordered to the north by the Barbanne stream and to the south by the Dordogne, this vast territory is often referred to as the Jurade or Jurisdiction of Saint-Émilion.

Among the appellation's many properties, 71 châteaux are classified as Grands Crus, 12 as Premiers Grands Crus classés B and 2 as Premiers Grands Crus classés A. The most famous estates, such as Château Figeac, Château Cheval Blanc and Château Canon, promote the image of Saint-Emilion throughout the world.

This vineyard is also the first to have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 1999, as a ‘cultural landscape’ for its exceptional character and universal significance, bearing witness to a rich wine-growing history.

The sub-region of Libournais is located on the right bank of the Dordogne, with Saint-Émilion at its heart. The eponymous medieval city and its monolithic church with a 68-metre-high bell tower reign over the surrounding vineyards.

Wines with the Saint-Émilion and Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation are produced in the same appellation area. This is quite large and has a wide variety of terroirs on predominantly limestone or clay-limestone soils. However, there are four distinct production areas: the alluvial plain, the clay-limestone hillside, the limestone plateau and the clay-sandy soil that slopes down towards Pomerol. This diversity of soils allows for the production of elegant and complex fine red wines, characterised by the aromatic power and finesse of the Merlot grape.

Although the same grape varieties are grown in Saint-Émilion as in Saint-Estèphe, the proportion occupied by each is very different. The clay-limestone soils of the right bank are more favourable to the cultivation of Merlot, providing it with the freshness and water necessary for its perfect maturation. It thus represents 70% of the Saint-Émilion vineyard.

This black grape variety, which is said to take its name from its colour and resembles the plumage of the blackbird, is known and planted almost everywhere in the world. It brings colour, aromatic power and finesse to wines. After a few years in the cellar, its aromas of red and black fruits, jam, plum and spices give way to more animal notes of leather, game, truffle and undergrowth. The second most commonly planted grape variety in the Saint-Émilion AOC is Cabernet Franc (13%), followed by Cabernet Sauvignon (9%), Malbec (5%), Petit Verdot and Carmenere.