Saint-Emilion is a key wine district in Bordeaux, in terms of its both quality and quantity. It is the most prolific of the appellations in the Libournais (the area in the north east of the Bordeaux region, also known as the 'right bank'), and also produces some of the most expensive wines in the world.
The historic town of Saint-Emilion, which gives its name to several appellations, is right at the center of the main appellation, just a few miles north of the Dordogne river. It is renowned as much for its wine as for its beautiful buildings and scenery.
The wines of Saint-Emilion are predominantly made from Merlot and Cabernet Franc, which means that they are more approachable at an early age, and have a smoother profile than the more tannic Cabernet-Sauvignon-based wines of the Medoc. These are key factors in the modern appeal of Saint-Emilion's wines around the world. Carmenere and Malbec are also included in the list of varieties permitted in the Saint-Emilion appellation. Cabernet Sauvignon does not grow as successfully in the cooler climate and heavier soils of Saint-Emilion as it does in the free-draining soils of the Medoc, and only has a small representation.
Saint-Emilion's classification system, introduced in 1955, is more efficient and more frequently updated than the older system used in the Medoc. The two superior classifications which apply to the area's wines are: 'Grand Cru Classé' and 'Premier Grand Cru Classé'. The 2006 Saint-Emilion classification awarded the first status to fifty-three Chateaux and the second to just thirteen. Two Chateaux (Ausone and Cheval Blanc) currently sit in a class of their own; Premier Grand Cru Classé A. According to the strict appellation laws, classifications are valid for ten years.
All wines conforming to the basic appellation laws may be labeled as just 'Grand Cru' - there are over two hundred producers in this category.
Geographically speaking, Saint-Emilion can be divided into three key areas. The first is the alluvial plain to the south, which produces few wines of note. The second centers around the steep limestone slopes near the town itself, where most of the Grand Cru Chateaux are located. The third is the plateau to the west, which borders the Pomerol appellation, and benefits from excellent drainage qualities of its gravels and sandy soils.
At the western edge of the plateau the soils are more free-draining, and better suited to growing the Cabernet varieties. Chateaux Figeac and Cheval Blanc have their vineyards here, and are exceptional in the area for favoring the Cabernet grapes over Merlot. This area is known as the 'Graves de Saint-Emilion', not to be confused with the Graves appellation across the river to the south.
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