Saint-Georges-Saint-Emilion

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• The appellation extends over a limestone plateau overlooking the Barbanne stream, where the village of Saint-Georges was established.
• The Tertiary geological bedrock is formed of calcareous deposits from Oligocene marine transgressions, friable rocks carved by streams such as the Barbanne.
• The slopes feature clay-limestone soils resting on astéries limestone, benefiting from a southerly aspect, similar to the hillside terroirs of neighbouring Saint-Émilion.
• The temperate oceanic climate, under the influence of the Gulf Stream, displays continental nuances bringing higher temperatures in summer and autumn that favour grape ripening.
• The local flora sporadically includes Mediterranean species such as holm oaks and fig trees.

• The agricultural engineer and nurseryman Albert Macquin, a winegrower in Saint-Georges, developed the grafting technique there in 1893 to combat the phylloxera crisis.
• The Libourne tribunal recognised on 24 November 1921 that wines from the commune of Saint-Georges may bear the name Saint-Émilion appended to that of their commune of origin.

• The red wines, produced mainly from Merlot noir, are powerful and round, with a deep colour and intense red-fruit aromas.
• With ageing, these aromas frequently evolve towards a spiced bouquet showing nuances of leather and liquorice.
• Blending with Cabernet franc and Cabernet-Sauvignon brings freshness, good acidity, and structure, increasing the ageing potential and aromatic complexity of the wines.
• Barrel ageing, often practised, enriches both the aromatic range and the structure of the wines.

• Merlot, the dominant variety, shows great typicity particularly on clay-limestone soils, while Cot, Cabernet franc, and Cabernet-Sauvignon adapt favourably to the warmest and best-exposed soils.

Facts drawn from the specification's terroir-link section by automatic interpretation — see the source.

All appellations in France

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