Montagne-Saint-Emilion
Styles
Principal grape varieties
Accessory grape varieties
Terroir
Natural factors
- Appellation restricted to the single commune of Montagne (Gironde), 45 km from Bordeaux and 10 km north-east of Libourne.
- Tertiary substratum of Oligocene limestones; hillsides with clay-limestone soils over calcaire à astéries, the principal soil unit.
- Sandy-gravelly terraces to the west (alluvial deposits of the Isle); sandy-clay or sandy-silty soils with gravel at the foot of the slopes (north-east and south-east).
- Temperate oceanic climate (Gulf Stream) with continental nuances: warmer summers and autumns, favouring grape ripening.
Human factors
- The dominance of merlot N is linked to the phylloxera crisis of the late 19th century: grafting reduced its tendency towards coulure and millerandage.
- Appellation recognised by ruling of the Tribunal de Libourne on 24 November 1921, based on longstanding, legitimate, and consistent local practice.
Product characteristics
- Deep ruby colour; aromas of red fruits evolving towards leather and liquorice, with barrel ageing adding toasty and vanilla notes.
- Powerful, ripe tannins; cabernet franc and cabernet-sauvignon contribute freshness, structure, and greater aromatic complexity.
Terroir / wine link
- On clay-limestone soils, merlot N expresses itself fully; on sandy-silty or sandy-clay soils, the wines gain in finesse at the expense of tannic power. (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.