Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
Saint-Émilion Grand Cru is one of the Bordeaux’s most celebrated appellations, and a cornerstone of the Gironde’s international reputation. Louis XIV himself is said to have called these wines the “nectar of the gods". This appellation, covering around 4,200 hectares, shares the same appellation area as its sibling Saint-Émilion AOC. However, only the finest crus are entitled to the "Grand Cru" appellation, often located along the limestone plateau and the clay-limestone slopes. In this mild oceanic climate, Merlot dominates here (68%), alongside Cabernet Franc (21%), with smaller proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petit Verdot. The Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC regulations are also stricter than the broader Saint-Émilion appellation: yields capped at 40 hl/ha, a minimum of 12 months’ ageing, estate bottling, and increasingly, environmental criteria…
The AOC’s classification, first established in 1955 and revised every ten years distinguishes two levels: Premier Grand Cru Classé A (Figeac and Pavie) and B (12 châteaux including Canon, Clos Fourtet, Pavie Macquin, Troplong Mondot, Canon La Gaffelière and Valandraud); and Grand Cru Classé (71 châteaux, including Grand Corbin-Despagne and Ferrand). It’s worth mentioning that during the most recent revision in 2022, four leading estate withdrew from the classification, namely Ausone, Cheval Blanc, Angélus and La Gaffelière. Saint-Émilion Grand Crus are exclusively red. On tasting, they are ample and structured, with fine tannins, notes of red fruit, candied fruit and peony, and offer an exceptional length and ageing potential.
