Chat with us, powered by LiveChat

Saint-Émilion

Price
Brand
Vintage
Classification
Packaging
Format et conditionnement
Tablets
Nouveautés desk
New in
cognacs editions limitées desk
Cognac limited editions
Vins italiens desk
Italian wines

The Saint-Emilion appellation is undoubtedly one of the most famous in the world, located on the Rive droite of Bordeaux. Its 5400 hectares vineyard is present on the numerous hills surrounding the famous medieval village of Saint-Emilion, forming a splendid wine landscape benefiting from an oceanic and temperate climate.

The vineyards classified as Saint-Emilion Grand Cru are spread over 8 communes: Saint-Emilion, Saint-Christophe-des-Bardes, Saint-Laurent-des-Combes, Saint-Hippolyte, Saint-Etienne-de-Lisse, Saint-Pey-d'Armens, Vignonet and a small part of Libourne. In order to carry the Grand Cru label, the vineyards must respect several quality criteria, notably a yield limited to 40 hl/ha and a minimum of 12 months maturation. These are only red wines.

The appellation Saint-Emilion Grand Cru includes all the Grands Crus Classés of its classification published in 1955, which are hierarchically divided into three categories: Grand Cru Classé, Premier Grand Cru Classé and Premier Grand Cru Classé " A ". It is an evolving classification that allows some Domaines to move up in title or conversely, to be downgraded. It can be revised every ten years, the last revision being in September 2022. Since this edition, 85 Châteaux have been dedicated.

What are the characteristics of the Saint-Emilion appellation Grand Cru ?

The Saint-Emilion appellation Grand Cru is located on many types of very qualitative soils, mostly limestone, especially on a large plateau bordering the medieval city, where we also find alluvial deposits of gravel and sand as well as clays in the subsoil. The limestone soils allow an active water supply for the vines by capillary rise, so they never suffer from too much water stress. The gravels allow the heat of the day to be stored and released to the vines at night, allowing them to ripen properly. The clays ensure coolness and water supply during the summer season.

Several grape varieties flourish on the soils of Saint-Emilion: Merlot and Cabernet Franc in large majority, as well as Cabernet Sauvignon in smaller proportion.

  • Merlot is the dominant grape variety in Rive droite. It dominates the blends, bringing elegance, crispness and suppleness in the mouth, as well as aromas of red and black fruits and spices. The aging in oak barrels is particularly beneficial.
  • The Cabernet franc expresses itself perfectly in Saint-Emilion, where it represents one third of the vineyard. It brings fine tannins and a nice freshness to the wines, especially with spicy aromas.
  • The Cabernet Sauvignon brings complexity and additional tannins.

Built for aging, the wines of Saint-Emilion are fleshy, fruity and voluptuous, offering a controlled power that diminishes with time. They are undoubtedly great wines of Bordeaux.

Which are the emblematic properties of the Saint-Emilion appellation Grand Cru ?

The last revision of the Saint-Emilion classification, in September 2022, listed 85 Grands Crus Classés: 2 Premiers Grands Crus Classés "A", 12 Premiers Grands Crus Classés and 71 Grands Crus Classés:

  • 2 Premiers Grands Crus Classés "A": Château Pavie (since 2012) and Château Figeac (promoted in 2022)
  • 12 Premiers Grands Crus Classés : Château Beauséjour Duffau, Château Beau-Séjour Bécot, Château Belair-Monange, Château Canon, Château Canon-La-Gaffelière, Clos Fourtet, Château Larcis-Ducasse, Château La Mondotte, Château Pavie-Macquin, Château Troplong-Mondot, Château Trottevieille and Château Valandraud.
  • 71 Grands Crus Classés, including Château Fombrauge, Château Dassault and Château La Dominique

The 2022 edition of the classification has been marked by several twists and turns. Historically, the famous Château Cheval Blanc and Château Ausone have always been at the top of the classification since its creation, as First Great Classified Growths "A". But in January 2022, a few months before the official promulgation, they announced that they did not want to submit their candidacy and thus withdrew from the classification. They were followed a few months later by Château Angélus and Château La Gaffelière. A lot of difficulties certainly, but that did not prevent the good progress of the commission of approval of the classification and its disclosure.

The care we take when receiving wines in our cellars enables us to detect bottles with imperfections (dirty or faded labels, damaged capsules, etc.). In such cases, they are systematically set aside and never put online! Our preparation team selects only bottles with perfect presentation for your orders!

It is these bottles with slight external defects that we present to you in the "Existe en imparfaite" selection. These bottles are, of course, of "irreproachable" gustatory quality, but suffer from slight defects on the label or cap. We therefore offer them at a preferential price, making the pleasure of tasting them even more affordable.

Find out all our selection

"Available in imperfect"


PGC - Primeurs - 2

Find all the information about Bordeaux Primeurs on our dedicated page

► What is a Bordeaux en primeur wine?
► What are the advantages of buying en Primeurs?
► How does the Bordeaux Primeurs campaign work?
► When are Bordeaux Primeurs delivered?
► How to buy your Bordeaux Primeurs wines?
► Consult the 2024 calendar

Discover


Up to 15% discount on a selection of over 500 wines and spirits. Compose your shopping cart as you wish:

  • from 6 bottles = -5%
  • from 12 bottles = -10%
  • from 24 bottles = -15%

You can mix and match from our selection of Bordeaux, Cognac, Champagne, Bourgogne...
Offer valid only on the Spring Waltz selection. Discount automatically applied to shopping cart.

Discover the selection


PGC - Astuces modale To take advantage of the biggest discount, we encourage you to get together with your family, colleagues or friends so that you can easily reach the 24 bottles and benefit from a 15% discount.

Loading...