📜 Saint-Emilion

Saint-Émilion is a famous town and appellation in Bordeaux on the right bank of the Dordogne river in France. The name is protected as a PDO. Still red wines are made here, mainly from Merlot and Cabernet Franc, sometimes with Cabernet Sauvignon. The district lies near the city of Libourne.

The town is medieval, with narrow streets and old buildings, and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Vineyards surround it on a limestone plateau and on slopes. The soils are limestone and clay, which suits Merlot. This is what sets the right bank apart from the left, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns.

Saint-Émilion wines are usually soft and rounded, with notes of plum, cherry and spice. The best keep for decades. The district has an official classification, which is reviewed roughly every ten years.

Saint-Émilion is surrounded by satellite areas with similar wines. So when you see the word Saint-Émilion on a label, you can expect a Merlot-based wine in a soft style. Small wineries called châteaux carry on the traditions, and many are open to visitors.