The Saint-Émilion vineyard

When we talk about Saint-Émilion, we quickly think of the beautiful wine appellations present in the region. Grands Crus Classés or AOC, Bordeaux red wine is a pure nectar to taste. The popularity of Saint-Émilion does not start today, but has been developing for thousands of years. Stories, vineyards and particularities, everything is deciphered in this article dedicated to the tasty wine of Saint-Émilion.

History of the vineyard and wines of Saint-Émilion

The pleasure of wine was quickly discovered since the first wine amphora dates from 56 BC, i.e. in prehistoric times. It was at this time that the vines began to be planted in place of the Cumbis forest, grafted with vitis biturica grape varieties from Marseille. A whole bunch of equipment and vats were found, indicating grape production and wine making. Unfortunately, these beautiful harvests were stopped short by the Roman emperor Dimitius in 97 AD. The latter considered that Bordeaux wine overshadowed Italian wine. He then eliminated the competition by tearing out the plants and vines, preventing the production of Saint-Émilion at the time. Everything started again at the end of the Roman Empire, notably thanks to Christianity which placed wine at the center of worship. Production resumed at full speed and developed without interruption until the 18th century. The quality of the wine and the know-how of the winegrowers were recognized with the creation of a French wine producer in 1884, then a Bordeaux wine cooperative: the Union of Saint-Émilion producers in 1931.

Vineyards to visit in Saint-Émilion

A visit to the Saint-Émilion vineyard is a must when passing through the region. The colorful vines provide a breathtaking landscape, magnificent to observe at any time of the year. Wine lover or novice, you will be delighted by the visit to the Saint-Émilion vineyard, which can be prepared in several ways:

• On board the little electric tourist train which takes you to the heart of the medieval city, but also to the vineyards. Most of the time, he stops at a castle for a tour of the cellars and a tasting of the latest vintages.
• On a bikeboard, an electric tricycle for an atypical ride among the grapes. Fun and ecological, this means of transport is ideal for combining pleasure and culture.
• The bike is perfect for taking your time and letting your eyes wander over the vineyards spread over thousands of hectares. Several tours are offered, some with a visit and tasting included.
• By segway, visit the Saint-Émilion vineyard with your hair blowing in the wind in complete freedom with an ecological and fun vehicle.
• The buggy allows you to sit for a silent walk admiring the grape varieties and the castles, before tasting the famous fragrant nectar.
• Take off in a hot air balloon above the Saint-Émilion vineyard, the view is dazzling from above. Experience a unique feeling of freedom with the wind, to better appreciate the picnic offered with a Saint-Émilion grand cru.
• The mehari is a fun and friendly car for sharing a moment of complicity in the heart of the vineyards. Drive to the castles for an aperitif tasting.
• In a vintage sidecar, take a trip back with your helmet on your head and let yourself be guided along the paths that wind between the vines of Saint-Émilion. The smells, colors and sensations are incredible in a sidecar.

Whatever the season, visit the Saint-Émilion vineyard your way. Don't forget your camera for memorable photos in the heart of the vineyards.

The Grands Crus of Saint-Émilion

Saint-Émilion wines are classified according to several appellations which are:

• AOC Saint-Émilion
• Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
• Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé
• Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé

Classified wines are designated by the INAO (National Institute of Appellations of Origin), which has evaluated wines since 1955. The classification is revised every 10 years with the latest one dating from 2022, the 7th classification since the first edition in 1955. The list includes 71 Saint-Émilion Grands Crus Classés, and 14 Premiers Grands Crus Classés, making 85 Grands Crus in total. This appellation highlights the excellence and perfectionism of the winegrowers on their farm. Being included on this list is a privilege that is earned with consistent wine quality. Beyond taste, the entire viticultural and wine-making approach is studied, as well as the reputation of the property. To name a few, you can find Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé:

• Château FIGEAC (A)
• Château PAVIE (A)
• Château BEAU-SEJOUR BECOT

And like Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé:

• Château BADETTE

• Château BALESTARD LA TONNEL
• The BARDE-HAUT Castle

The Saint-Émilion terroir is remarkable and extremely rich. If you have the opportunity, don't hesitate to taste one of these delicious exceptional wines.

Why are Saint-Émilion wines so well known?

Saint-Émilion is an essential reference for French wines, an exceptional product produced with passion by winegrowers. In Gironde, 8 municipalities allow the production of this delicious nectar between Saint-Émilion, Saint-Étienne-de-Lisse, Saint-Hippolyte, Saint-Laurent-des-Combes, Saint-Pey-d'Armens, Saint-Christophe-des -Bardes, Saint-Sulpice-de-Faleyrens, Vignonet and part of Libourne. Renowned for its garnet color, its aromas of ripe red fruits and its rounded tannins, Saint-Émilion wine crosses all borders since its listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Its name comes from a story of 8th century, when a contemporary Breton proves to be too generous to please the Count of Vannes. Émilion decides to flee and joins the forest of Cumbis. His cave quickly became the landmark of his disciples who believed in his values, before becoming the city of Saint-Émilion. Subsequently, the forest was cleared to plant vines in the Middle Ages. This is the beginning of the story of a wine which was called by Louis 14 the nectar of the gods.

The Wine House

This is the official and emblematic store of Saint-Émilion, located in the heart of the village. Open all year round, it brings together more than 400 Saint-Émilion references from 270 châteaux. Pleasure for the eyes, pleasure of offering or to taste it, you can be accompanied and advised in your choices according to the vintages and the Grands Crus Classés. Certified by the “ Vignoble & Découverte ” label, the Maison du Vin is a friendly and warm structure, a real place of sharing to discover the wonderful world of wine and Saint-Émilion. As soon as you enter, you are immersed in the bath with the aroma table which tests your sensitivity to the smells of wine. Training and initiation, the Maison du Vin offers a complete program around the vines, and offers tasting rooms with varied themes. Don't leave Saint-Émilion without visiting this producers' store where each bottle is sold at the price of the property.

Saint-Émilion wine is of rare quality, a true wine gem that is the pride of winegrowers. After this article, you will no longer drink red wine the same way, and even less Saint-Émilion. History, visit, stroll and nature, all the pleasures are mixed through the visit to the Saint-Émilion vineyard.

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