Montagne-Saint-Émilion AOC

44°53'30" N

LATITUDE

0°9'30" E

LONGITUDE

about this subregion

Welcome to Montagne-Saint-Émilion, a French appellation of Bordeaux where winemakers craft between 72,000 and 74,130 hectoliters of excellent red wines each year. Merlot is the star here, working together with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon to make wines that leave a lasting impression.

Brief Overview of the Montagne-Saint-Émilion AOC

Since 1936, this wine region has covered Montagne, Parsac, and Saint-Georges. It's one of Saint-Émilion's sub-appellations, meaning these wines proudly carry the Saint Emilion name and are backed by the unique flavours of their local soils.

Historical Significance of Winemaking

Wine has been made here since Roman times. While sharing Saint-Émilion's fame, these winemakers have built their own reputations. They continue to use Bordeaux's time-tested methods, adding to the area's rich wine story.

Geographic Location and Unique Terroir

Just north of Libourne, 35 minutes from Bordeaux city center, and next to Saint-Émilion, this area of the Bordeaux wine region is among other great wine regions like Lussac Saint Emilion. The rolling hills and mix of clay-limestone and gravel soils make it perfect for growing top-quality grapes.

The Terroir of Montagne-Saint-Émilion AOC

Elevation and Climate

The vineyards are located 97 meters above sea level, and they experience ocean-influenced weather, which brings mild winters and warm summers—just right for growing grapes.

Soil Composition

The ground tells two stories: clay-limestone on the hills and gravel in the lower areas. In addition, this region has some areas with sandy soils. This mix lets different grape types grow well and gives the wines more interesting flavours.

Impact of Elevation and Climate on Grape Varieties

The weather and height work together to make great wine. Steady temperatures keep the grapes' natural tang while helping them ripen fully, especially Merlot, which really shines in these conditions.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Environmental Factors Affecting Wine Production

Climate change is changing how wine is made in this country. Changes in temperature and rain could affect the quality and number of grapes grown.

Economic Challenges and Opportunities

While selling wine becomes more challenging with more competition, there's room to grow. Smart marketing and finding new buyers can help these wines reach more people.

Emerging Trends and Innovations

Today's winemakers are trying new things, such as organic growing and earth-friendly methods. These changes help them make better wine and protect the environment, giving them an edge in the market.

1600

Vineyard Hectares

220

WINERIES

2500-3000 GDD

GROWING DEGREE DAYS

Discover Terroir

Landscape of the Montagne-Saint-Émilion AOC

Montagne-Saint-Émilion is a place where rolling hills meet beautiful vineyards, creating a landscape that tells stories from long ago. Next to the Dordogne River, you'll see how people divided the land during medieval times - those old boundaries still shape today's vineyards. The limestone plateau and clay-limestone hills don't just look pretty - they help make the wines taste special, too.

Best Places to Visit

  1. Château Tour Bayard: This family-run wine estate welcomes you like an old friend. Join them for a walk through their vineyards, learn how they make wine, and end your visit tasting their wines while looking out over the vines. It's a great way to understand what makes this area special.
  2. Château de Pressac: Here's where old meets new. They make wine in modern, earth-friendly ways while keeping the best ancient traditions. The castle itself is beautiful, and their tours show you everything from grape to glass. Don't forget your camera!
  3. The Village of Montagne: Walk through streets lined with old buildings, stop at small cafes, and browse local shops. It's a perfect place to stay while exploring nearby wineries. You'll get a real feel for local life here.
  4. Saint-Georges: This quiet village lets you see this area at its most real. Visit small wineries where you can talk with the people who make the wine and really understand what makes these bottles special.
  5. Bordeaux wine trails: Whether you like walking or biking, these paths take you through some of the prettiest vineyards and wineries around. Each turn shows you a new view of vineyards and hills. It's a great way to see the whole area and get some fresh air, too.

Climate of the Montagne-Saint-Émilion AOC

The Montagne-Saint-Émilion AOC has a weather that makes it so special. It gets cooling breezes from the ocean mixed with inland weather patterns - just right for growing great grapes. Winters stay mild while summers warm up nicely, and the seasons in between help the vines grow their best grapes. Merlot especially loves it here, growing as if it were made for this spot. The rain comes just when needed, keeping the vines healthy without giving them too much water.

Best Time to Visit the Montagne-Saint-Émilion AOC

The grape harvest, from late September to mid-October, is when everything comes alive in Montagne St Emilion You can watch as the grapes are picked (and sometimes help), while enjoying lovely warm days and cool nights. It's the perfect weather for walking through vineyards and seeing how wines are made.

Spring is another great time to visit. Between April and June, you can watch the vineyards turn green as new leaves grow. The weather's just right - not too hot or cold - making it perfect for wine tours and  tastings. You'll see the whole area wake up after winter, with each vine starting its journey to making this year's wines.

Most Common Wines of the Montagne-Saint-Émilion AOC

The Montagne-Saint-Émilion AOC stands out for its tasty blends, where Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon work together to create something special. Every glass brings flavours of blackberry, cherry, and plum, with hints of licorice, leather, and gentle spices. These wines showcase what makes this area unique.

Unique Characteristics of Montagne-Saint-Émilion AOC Wines

These wines are strong and smooth. The clay and limestone in the soil help grow great grapes. Look for the deep red colour in your glass—it tells you how well these wines can age. Keep them for 5 to 10 years or more, and they'll get even better with time.

Wine Tourism and Experiences

Popular Wine Areas within Montagne-Saint-Émilion AOC

Visit places like Château Tour Bayard and Château de Pressac, where you can see beautiful vineyards all around. With Saint-Émilion next door, you can easily explore many great wine places in one trip.

Wine Tasting Tours and Events

Join private tours to learn how wine is made, from grape to glass. Visit harvest festivals or wine fairs to see how the area celebrates its wines and meet the people who make them.

Best Food Pairings for Montagne-Saint-Émilion AOC

These wines taste great with many foods—try them with lamb or duck. They also work well with rich meat spreads and strong cheeses like Roquefort. Dark chocolate makes a perfect match for dessert.

Accommodation Options for Wine Enthusiasts

Stay in cozy B&Bs or fancy châteaux - there's something for everyone. Many wineries let you sleep right among the vines, with special tastings included. It's a great way to really get to know the area and its wines.

Associations

vinerra illustration

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Most Common Grapes of the Montagne-Saint-Émilion AOC

The Montagne-Saint-Émilion wines are composed of a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Let’s have a look at the requirements of the main grape varieties of Montagne-Saint-Émilion.

  1. Merlot: Think of Merlot as the main character here - it covers 75% of the vineyards, and for good reason. It loves the cool, damp weather and clay-rich soil, which help it grow strong and healthy. One of its best tricks is that it ripens early before autumn gets too cold. This means winemakers can count on it year after year to make great wine. 
  2. Cabernet Franc: Making up 20% of the vineyards, Cabernet Franc knows exactly what it's doing here. It grows best in chalky soil, and the way the weather changes—warm during the day and cool at night—helps keep its natural tang. Think of it as the perfect partner in the wine blend, adding smoothness and structure that makes the wine even better.
  3. Cabernet Sauvignon: Only 5% of the vineyards grow Cabernet Sauvignon, but don't let that fool you - it makes a big difference. This grape likes sunny, gravelly spots where it can get warm and dry. While it sometimes has to work hard to ripen fully in this climate, when everything goes right, it adds strength and staying power to the wines, making them even more special.

Most Common Wines of the Montagne-Saint-Émilion AOC

The Montagne-Saint-Émilion AOC stands out for its tasty blends, where Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon work together to create something special. Every glass brings flavours of blackberry, cherry, and plum, with hints of licorice, leather, and gentle spices. These wines showcase what makes this area unique.

Unique Characteristics of Montagne-Saint-Émilion AOC Wines

These wines are strong and smooth. The clay and limestone in the soil help grow great grapes. Look for the deep red colour in your glass—it tells you how well these wines can age. Keep them for 5 to 10 years or more, and they'll get even better with time.

Wine Tourism and Experiences

Popular Wine Areas within Montagne-Saint-Émilion AOC

Visit places like Château Tour Bayard and Château de Pressac, where you can see beautiful vineyards all around. With Saint-Émilion next door, you can easily explore many great wine places in one trip.

Wine Tasting Tours and Events

Join private tours to learn how wine is made, from grape to glass. Visit harvest festivals or wine fairs to see how the area celebrates its wines and meet the people who make them.

Best Food Pairings for Montagne-Saint-Émilion AOC

These wines taste great with many foods—try them with lamb or duck. They also work well with rich meat spreads and strong cheeses like Roquefort. Dark chocolate makes a perfect match for dessert.

Accommodation Options for Wine Enthusiasts

Stay in cozy B&Bs or fancy châteaux - there's something for everyone. Many wineries let you sleep right among the vines, with special tastings included. It's a great way to really get to know the area and its wines.

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