Château Cantenac

In Gallo-Roman times, the poet-consul Ausone owned vineyards. However, the true fame of Saint-Emilion arrives in the 8th century with the arrival of Emilian, a hermit native of Vannes, which will become the name of the city; High place of pilgrimage and prayer, many religious orders were installed afterwards: the medieval city was born.

The Jurisdiction of St Emilion (5500 ha) is located 40 km north-east of Bordeaux and extends over 9 communes of the Libournais. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for Cultural Landscapes: a remarkable historic wine-growing landscape that has survived and is still operating; exceptionally illustrating the cultivation of wine grapes in a precisely defined region.

One geographical area for two appellations, Saint Emilion and Saint Emilion Grand Cru. Since 1954, a decree manages a classification of the Saint-Emilion Grand Cru wines (classé and premier grand cru classes), that is revised/challenged every 10 years.

In Bordeaux, the notion of “terroir” is fundamental because it combines the elements of climate and soils, which gives to grapes, and therefore to wine, a unique, exceptional and recognizable character. Located on the 45th parallel, Saint Emilion enjoys a moderate ocean climate, with almost Mediterranean nuances.

Saint Emilion has 4 main types of soils: (1) the limestone plateau, (2) a vast terrace of silico-clayey gravels, (3) limestone and clay-limestone valleys, (4) sand-gravel stretches. The Saint-Emilion are blend wines using the traditional grape varieties of Bordeaux where Merlot represents 60% of the vineyards, alongside Cabernet Franc (30%), Cabernet Sauvignon and, more rarely, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Caménère.

The wines of Saint Emilion are exclusively red wines, revealing a brilliant color, developing a palette of subtle aromas, a generous mouth to the noble texture, and a harmonious finish, aromatic and delicate.