Saint-Georges-Saint-Emilion
Styles
Principal grape varieties
Terroir
Natural factors
- Oligocene limestone plateau, cut through by the Barbanne river separating Saint-Georges from the Saint-Émilion jurisdiction (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Clay-limestone soils over calcaire à astéries, south-facing slopes identical in terroir character to the hillside vineyards of Saint-Émilion (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Temperate oceanic climate with continental nuances in the north-east of the Gironde: warmer summers and autumns, favouring ripening
- The appellation is limited to the former commune of Saint-Georges (merged with Montagne in 1973), making it the smallest Bordeaux appellation (~204 ha) (via Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 4.0)
Human factors
- Merlot N dominates the blend; Albert Macquin, a nurseryman based in Saint-Georges, pioneered anti-phylloxera grafting techniques there in 1893
- The AOC was recognised by a ruling of the Libourne tribunal on 24 November 1921, linking the name of the commune to that of Saint-Émilion
Product characteristics
- Full-bodied, rounded red wines with deep colour; aromas of red fruits evolving towards spice, leather, and liquorice with age
- Blending in Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon brings freshness, acidity, and structure, increasing the wines' ageing potential
Terroir / wine link
- Merlot N, the dominant variety, expresses a strong typicity on the clay-limestone soils of the vineyard
Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.
Sources
- Product specification (BO Agri, PDF) — approved 20 octobre 2011, JORF 22 octobre 2011
- Official INAO text (show_texte)
- INAO product entry
- Official trade body site — CIVB