📜 Saint-Estèphe
The northernmost of the famous Médoc communes, with sturdy red wines.
Saint-Estèphe is a French appellation (PDO) in the Médoc, on the left bank of the Gironde. It is the northernmost of the famous Médoc communes. Pauillac and Saint-Julien lie not far away. A wide river flows nearby and softens the climate.
Soils here are heavier, with more clay than in neighbouring communes. They hold water longer and cope well with dry summers. So Merlot also does well, but the main grape here is Cabernet Sauvignon. It is blended with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and a little Petit Verdot. The wines are firm in structure, with noticeable tannins and aromas of blackcurrant and spice.
Saint-Estèphe belongs to the still red wines of the Médoc. Such wines usually need time: young they seem austere, and with years they soften. Several châteaux of the commune are part of the 1855 Bordeaux classification. They are served with meat, such as lamb or beef.
Links
- Related to
- 📍 Médoc
- Main grapes
- 🍇 Cabernet Sauvignon, 🍇 Merlot, 🍇 Cabernet Franc, 🍇 Petit Verdot
- Wines
- 🍷 Red wine, 🍷 Still wine
Frequently asked questions
What is Saint-Estèphe?
A French appellation in the Médoc, the northernmost famous commune, with firm red wines.
Which grapes make Saint-Estèphe wines?
Mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
How are its wines different from neighbours?
Heavier clay soils give wines with a firm structure and noticeable tannins.
Similar
📜 Haut-Médoc · 📜 Margaux · 📜 Saint-Julien · 📜 Pauillac · 📜 Listrac-Médoc · 📜 Moulis-en-Médoc
⚠️ 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.