LATITUDE
LONGITUDE
In Bordeaux's heart lies the French Saint-Georges-Saint-Émilion AOC, a wine region that produces 900,000 litres of outstanding red wine annually. Here, Merlot grapes shine, creating wines that tell the area's rich story in every glass.
Part of the Saint-Émilion family since 1936, this 200-hectare area proves that in Bordeaux, size isn't everything. Despite being smaller than its famous neighbours, its wines stand tall among Bordeaux's finest, showcasing what this special corner of France has to offer.
The story starts with the Romans, who first planted vines in this soil. Over the centuries, local wine families have continuously improved their skills, building a reputation that led to their AOC status in 1936. That official recognition confirmed what wine lovers already knew—these wines are truly something special.
Just north of the commune of Saint Emilion, nestled among other Bordeaux wine regions like Montagne and Lussac-Saint-Émilion, this spot has everything going for it. Being on Bordeaux's Right Bank gives it all the natural gifts that make Bordeaux wines world-famous.
At an altitude of 89 metres, the vines enjoy perfect drainage and plenty of sun. On the other hand, with 814 mm of yearly rain, nature provides just what the grapes need - not too much, not too little.
The ground here is primarily clay and limestone, sprinkled with gravel—a perfect recipe for great wine. Merlot thrives in this mix, and the clay retains enough water for the vines when they need it most.
Everything works together beautifully here. Merlot leads the way, covering 75% of the vineyards, while Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon add their own special touches. This blend of grapes and growing conditions creates wines that you can enjoy young or let age gracefully.
Changing weather patterns keep winemakers on their toes, but they are adapting smartly. They are finding eco-friendly ways to protect their vines and ensure excellent wines for years to come.
While the wine world becomes even more competitive, the growing love for fine Bordeaux wines opens new doors. More people around the world want these wines, and they are willing to pay a good price for them.
The future is promising as winemakers combine traditional knowledge with innovative concepts. By experimenting with natural farming and adopting modern methods, they safeguard the unique qualities of their wines while preparing to meet future challenges. This thoughtful approach honours tradition and welcomes beneficial change.
Vineyard Hectares
WINERIES
GROWING DEGREE DAYS
The charming landscape of this Bordeaux wine region AOC spans 200 hectares. Here, the hills roll gently, the soil is a mix of clay and limestone, and the sun hits the vines just right from the south. The nearby Barbanne River helps create weather that is perfect for growing three main grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The weather in Saint-Georges-Saint-Émilion is just right for making great wine. Thanks to the nearby Atlantic Ocean, summers are warm but not hot, and winters remain mild. The area receives about 814 mm of rain each year—enough to keep the vines healthy. What makes this place special is how the temperature changes between day and night, which helps Merlot grapes grow perfectly. When you add in soil that drains well due to its clay and limestone mix, you create perfect conditions for growing tasty grapes.
Visit during harvest season, from late September to mid-October, to witness the winemaking process. The area buzzes with activity as people gather in vineyards to pick grapes, and numerous wineries offer special tours and tastings. You can observe how grapes are transformed into wine and perhaps even help!
Spring, from April to June, is another delightful time to explore. The vines sprout new leaves, creating a lush, vibrant landscape. The moderate weather is ideal—not too hot or too cold—making it perfect for strolling, enjoying private tours, and discovering various wineries. No matter whether you choose to visit in spring or during the harvest, you'll experience something unique about the local winemaking process.
When Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon work together, they create something special. You'll taste plenty of dark fruits, like blackcurrant and cherry, with hints of spice and earthy flavours mixed in. Merlot adds richness, Cabernet Franc contributes lovely aromas, while Cabernet Sauvignon adds power and muscle to the wine. These wines are enjoyable to drink when they're young but become even better as they age.
These wines are delightful because of their smooth texture. The harmonious blend of clay and limestone in the soil, along with the perfect weather conditions, fosters an ideal balance. When aged for five to ten years, they develop flavours like oak, leather, and earthy notes. Local winemakers use traditional techniques handed down over generations while also exploring modern methods that focus on environmental sustainability.
You'll find lovely wine estates all over this area. Places like Château Saint-Georges, Château Maquin-Saint-Georges, and Château Belair-Montaiguillon are must-visits. Each has its own way of doing things and beautiful views to enjoy while you are there.
Most wineries here love having visitors. They'll show you around and let you taste their wines while explaining how they make them. If you're lucky, you might catch one of their wine festivals or fairs, where you can try many different wines and meet the people who produce them.
These wines pair really well with food. Try them with chicken cooked in wine (coq au vin), beef stew (beef bourguignon), or duck (duck confit)—they're perfect together. They also taste great with strong cheeses like Camembert or Roquefort.
Whether you're staying for a day or a week, you'll find a nice place to sleep. You can choose from cozy bed and breakfasts, fancy hotels, or even rooms at the wine estates themselves. Many places offer special deals that include wine tours and tastings, so you can truly get to know the area's wines.
Three special grapes, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, combine to make the wonderful wines of Saint-Georges-Saint-Émilion. Each brings something different to create wines that showcase this area's uniqueness.
When Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon work together, they create something special. You'll taste plenty of dark fruits, like blackcurrant and cherry, with hints of spice and earthy flavours mixed in. Merlot adds richness, Cabernet Franc contributes lovely aromas, while Cabernet Sauvignon adds power and muscle to the wine. These wines are enjoyable to drink when they're young but become even better as they age.
These wines are delightful because of their smooth texture. The harmonious blend of clay and limestone in the soil, along with the perfect weather conditions, fosters an ideal balance. When aged for five to ten years, they develop flavours like oak, leather, and earthy notes. Local winemakers use traditional techniques handed down over generations while also exploring modern methods that focus on environmental sustainability.
You'll find lovely wine estates all over this area. Places like Château Saint-Georges, Château Maquin-Saint-Georges, and Château Belair-Montaiguillon are must-visits. Each has its own way of doing things and beautiful views to enjoy while you are there.
Most wineries here love having visitors. They'll show you around and let you taste their wines while explaining how they make them. If you're lucky, you might catch one of their wine festivals or fairs, where you can try many different wines and meet the people who produce them.
These wines pair really well with food. Try them with chicken cooked in wine (coq au vin), beef stew (beef bourguignon), or duck (duck confit)—they're perfect together. They also taste great with strong cheeses like Camembert or Roquefort.
Whether you're staying for a day or a week, you'll find a nice place to sleep. You can choose from cozy bed and breakfasts, fancy hotels, or even rooms at the wine estates themselves. Many places offer special deals that include wine tours and tastings, so you can truly get to know the area's wines.
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