📜 Saint-Émilion Grand Cru
The top tier of Saint-Émilion wines, red wines from Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Saint-Émilion Grand Cru is the name of wines from the Saint-Émilion area in Bordeaux. It is the top level of wines from that area. It belongs to the Libournais zone on the Right Bank.
The wines are red and still, meaning without bubbles. The base is Merlot and Cabernet Franc, with Cabernet Sauvignon sometimes added. Merlot gives softness and juiciness, Cabernet Franc gives freshness and aroma.
The name is a protected designation of origin (PDO) of the European Union. It is listed in the eAmbrosia register, so only wines made to the rules may use it. The requirements for Grand Cru wines are stricter than for plain Saint-Émilion.
A label of such a wine shows both the area name and the words Grand Cru. Do not confuse this with the classification of Saint-Émilion châteaux: that is a separate system. The wines are usually aged in barrels and then in bottle. Such reds are considered suitable for long keeping.
How it connects to Wine
📜 Saint-Émilion Grand Cru ← main grape of ← 🍇 Cabernet Sauvignon → kind of → 🍇 Grape varieties → kind of → 🍷 Wine
Links
- Where it is
- 📍 Libournais
- Main grapes
- 🍇 Merlot, 🍇 Cabernet Franc, 🍇 Cabernet Sauvignon
- Wines
- 🍷 Red wine, 🍷 Still wine
Frequently asked questions
What is Saint-Émilion Grand Cru?
The top level of wines from the Saint-Émilion area in Bordeaux, red wines from Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Which grapes go into Saint-Émilion Grand Cru?
Mainly Merlot and Cabernet Franc, sometimes with Cabernet Sauvignon.
Where is Saint-Émilion?
On the Right Bank of Bordeaux, in the Libournais zone.
What to read next
- 🍷 Still wine — Ordinary wine without carbon dioxide bubbles.
- 🍷 Red wine — Wine from dark grapes that ferments with the skins and takes its colour from them.
Similar
📜 Canon-Fronsac · 📜 Lussac-Saint-Émilion · 📜 Montagne-Saint-Émilion · 📜 Saint-Emilion · 📜 Fronsac · 📜 Lalande-de-Pomerol
⚠️ Wine contains alcohol: adults only, drink in moderation. Wine usually contains sulphites; egg white or milk proteins are sometimes used for fining — important for allergies and for vegans.