The vineyard of Saint-Emilion

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  • A rich terroir for exceptional wines

    A rich terroir for exceptional wines

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    The terroir is the whole land of a region that gives to the product grown on it a certain singularity.   As we could explain it to you during one of our guided tours, the terroir is defined by three things : the soil the grape variety and the man who works them.   The wealth of the terroir of Grand Saint-Émilionnais Area first comes from the symbiosis between several natural elements : a remarkable geological variety (soils consisted of limestone, argilo-calcareous, sandy and gravel) a continental temperate microclimate and a relief with a gentle slops that exposes the vines to the sun.     The combination of these great conditions for viticulture as well as a clever blending of grape varieties (mostly Merlot combined with Cabernet Franc or Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec in smaller proportions) give to the wine a large variety of taste and smell.   These grape varieties have also, their features : The MERLOT brings fullness and generosity as well as fragrances of red and black fruits such as blackberry and cherry. It has become the privileged grape variety in Saint-Émilion. The CABERNET FRANC, tannic and very aromatic, brings delicacy and elegance. Finally CABERNET SAUVIGNON brings spicy aromas and contributes to the longevity of wine with hard tannins.   The wine of the Grand Saint-Émilionnais Area can as well be hard and concentrate as refined and delicate.   The aromatic nuances also depend on the different wine ageing techniques : barrel ageing brings greater aromatic complexity with smoked, roasted or toasted aromas. maturing in bottles reveals mineral notes, spices (sweet spices, vanilla) and truffles aromas.   Over time, the wines of Saint-Émilion have a red-brick color, orange and offer a complexity in mouth that makes you want to enjoy a second glass ... always in moderation !   The harvest period is also quite spectacular to discover on our territory! Don't hesitate to come and attend between mid-September and the end of October! And for all the others, go here to discover them in drawings.   Vocabulary : The grape variety : the variety of vine used to make wine. The tannin : Substance contained in the seeds and skin of grapes. It's essential in red wines where it forms the tannic component allowing the wine to evolve over time.   Careful : Alcohol abuse is dangerous for the health. Please drink responsibly.
  • Saint-Émilion wine's classification

    Saint-Émilion wine's classification

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      The fact that the wines of Saint-Émilion are respected all over the planet is in due in no small part to the great job done by the Jurade, whose actions have had a major impact in France and abroad.   As early as 1884, local producers established the first syndicat viticole (winegrowers association) in France. This was just one of many steps taken in Saint-Émilion over the years to enhance the production, promotion, and sale of the town's world-class wines.   The Syndicat Viticole created two appellations: Saint-Émilion and Saint-Émilion Grand Cru. They also instituted a classification enabling wines in the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation to attain status as : - a Grand Cru Classé, - Premier Grand Cru Classé - Premier Grand Cru Classé A. (hightest classification)   This classification adopted and instituted in 1955 by the Union of Wine of Saint-Émilion (which became in 2007 the Wine Council of Saint-Émilion) is re-examined every 10 years and encourages winegrowers to come up to excellence. Its main objective is to guarantee the origin, the quality and authenticity of Saint-Émilion wines.   A wine commission has to oversee the whole ranking procedure. The National Committee of Wines and Brandies designates this commission. It’s composed of 7 people working in the wine-area, outside of the Bordeaux region.   Here are some criteria that are rigorously examined by the commission : the methods adopted in the vineyards and in the cellars the political communication and distribution in France and abroad the reputation of the wine estates.   The latest classification drawn up by the INAO (Institut National de l'Origine et de la Qualité) and the Ministry of Agriculture dates back to 2022 and consecrated 85 properties, including 2 Premiers Grands Crus Classés A, 12 Premiers Grands Crus Classés and 71 Grands Crus Classés. Discover the list of classified properties >   In 2012, the tasting has been an important part of the final wine ranking.     Careful : Alcohol abuse is dangerous for the health. Please drink responsibly.
  • The ecological approaches

    The ecological approaches

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    Consumers are increasingly looking for eco-labels in the interest of preserving the environment, respecting the product and guaranteeing quality for the consumer. At the same time, winemaking properties are increasingly turning towards an "organic" or responsible approach, certified or not.     The AOC and AOP   The AOC french label (“Origine d’Appellation Contrôlée” means Controlled Indication of Origin)   Created in 1935, this label certifies the exact origin on the French territory of a product (especially wine) and guarantees a certain know-how and a certain quality.   The specifications varies according to the products but they must all be authentic, specific for a terroir and a know-how. The AOP french label and his equivalent in english : the PDO label (“Protected Designation of Origin”)   Established in 1992, this label is the equivalent of the AOC label but European and therefore ensures that products (including wine) come from the same geographical area. The products are protected in all countries of the European Union. The PDO can only be issued if the product has already received the AOC label, implying double control.     The labels “Organic Farming”   The French Label “AB” means Organic Farming (at the national level)   This label was created in 1985 and guarantees that the product comes from organic farming applied in France. It concerns only the production stage and certifies 100% organic products or containing at least 95% of organic agricultural products in the case of processed products. It prohibits, among other things, the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. It also meets the specifications of the organic farming label at European level. At least once a year, a control must be carried out. Organic Farming Label (at the European level, certified Ecocert)   This label guarantees that food products and services come from organic farming on the territory of the European Union. The label guarantees the same quality of commitment as the national label but covers all stages of wine, from the vine to bottling. Since 2009, it can be listed next to the national AB label. Must be mentioned beside this logo : - The place of production of agricultural raw materials (EU or non-EU agriculture) - The certifying number of the organisation     The Environmental Management System approach by the CIVB or Bordeaux Wine Council   The Bordeaux Wine Council, an organization created in 1948, also has developed, more than 4 years ago, an approach named SME (in French) : Environmental Management System. It is aimed at all operators in the world of wine (winegrowers, wine cellars, cooperatives or wine merchants...), no matter what the size of the company and no matter if they are organic or not. The aim of this approach is to improve the environmental respect of businesses by estimating their impact on the environment and by setting them objectives to reduce, little by little, their impacts on nature. Some 20 protagonists act in the Gironde in order to advise companies and accompany them in the environmental dimension on the long term. There are currently more than 350 Bordeaux vine cultivations that have adopted this approach.    The label "Terra Vitis"     This label was created 15 years ago by winegrowers to guarantee consumers a reasoned viticulture as well as authentic and quality wines.   Its two main goals are therefore : - the preservation of the wine-growing heritage - the answer to consumer expectations.   The whole wine production cycle is checked every year for the members of the brand who are subsequently authorized to use the mark on their bottles.   Today, this label includes more than 500 members and six local associations (Terra Vitis Bordeaux, Terra Vitis Loire, Terra Vitis Rhône-Méditerranée, Terra Vitis Alsace, Terra Vitis Champenois Vineyards and Terra Vitis Beaujolais).     The Biodynamic Agriculture labels   The French Label “Biodyvin”   This label created in 1995 by a small group of winegrowers advocate the bio dynamism of viticulture. It means that the land must not only be exploited to produce (grapes or other products) but must also be considered as a living matter, which needs to feed on various elements. For example, by adding composts to the vines.   To obtain this label, you must be “AB” certified. The Demeter label   The specifications of this biodynamic label allows less additions in vinification. Two subdivisions exist: - Demeter wine : the grapes are Demeter certified and the vinification respect the Demeter specifications, which is very restrictive as regards the additions. - Wine from Demeter grapes : the grapes are also guaranteed Demeter but the vinification is conforms to the European organic specifications.     The natural wines   In recent years, another category of wines has emerged, produced by winemakers concerned with respect of the environment and the high quality of their products. These are natural wines. These are wines without any addition, except in certain cases where the addition of sulfur is necessary and therefore tolerated. At the moment there is no label for these wines but associations such as the Association of Natural Wines commit to respect a specific charter.     Complementary approaches   The "Bee Friendly" label   This European label created in 2011 aims to identify and promote pollinator-friendly products and production systems. 27 precise and measurable criteria have been identified and set the specifications for "Bee Friendly". The aim is to make producers and companies manufacturing and distributing everyday products aware of the major challenge of the bee's survival, an indicator of environmental quality, and to encourage them to implement practices that have a positive impact on pollinators and their ecosystems.       Careful : Alcohol abuse is dangerous for the health. Please drink responsibly.
  • The appellations of the Great Saint-Emilion Area

    The appellations of the Great Saint-Emilion Area

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    There are no less than 12 appellations protecting the origin of the wine on the territory of the Great Saint-Émilion Area. Each one has its own characteristics :       Saint-Émilion and Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Appellation   These 2 appellations are the best-known appellations in the world. It only applies to red wines. Rosés or white wines produced on the territory therefore have a different name.   Saint-Émilion and Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Appellation are located on an area of 5400 hectares that spread over the 8 towns of the Jurisdiction of Saint-Émilion, as well as a part of Libourne. The average surface of the wine estate is 8 hectares and includes still more than 800 wineries.   These two appellations are AOC "Appellations d’Origine Contrôlée" (the equivalent in english is “Protected Designation of Origin”) – designation that was created in 1936. It is since 1948 that all wines seeking the AOC name must pass a quality control.   For more information on the specifics of Saint-Émilion and Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellations, go here >   The Saint-Émilion Grands Crus can pretend to be classified according to three levels of quality: Grand Cru Classé 1st Grand Cru Classé 1st Grand Cru Classé A     For more information about the Saint-Emilion's classification, go here >     The "satellites" appellations These four appellations are located north of Saint-Émilion in the villages of Montagne, Saint-George, Puisseguin and Lussac. They obtained the right to use the name of “Saint-Émilion” just behind the name of their village on wine bottles since 1936. That’s how the following appellations were born: -    Montagne Saint-Émilion -    Saint-Georges Saint-Émilion -    Puisseguin Saint-Émilion -    Lussac Saint-Émilion > They produce robust and full-bodied red wines.     Lalande de Pomerol This AOC is located in the Libourne region on the villages of Lalande de Pomerol and Néac, close to the prestigious Pomerol. > It produces deep red wine with aromas of red fruits and spices.     Crémant de Bordeaux It’s a recent appellation, founded in 1990, that produces mostly white wines and sparkling rosé in the traditional way. Before, it was called Bordeaux Mousseux. These wines are usually raised in underground galleries where moisture conditions are ideal. This AOC is present in Saint-Émilion thanks to the Crément de Bordeaux produced in the Cordeliers Cloister. > Crémant de Bordeaux can be dry, semi-dry or sweet.     Côtes de Bordeaux The Union of Côtes de Bordeaux brings 4 appellations together : Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux, Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux, Francs Côtes de Bordeaux and Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux. Two of these appellations are present on the Great Saint-Émilion Area : -    Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux that produces only red wines -    Francs Côtes de Bordeaux that produces red wines but also a small amount of dry and sweet white wines. > These two appellations give very sweet and fruity wines (red fruits aromas but also vanilla).     Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur These two regional appellations are also presents on the territory of the Great Saint-Émilion Area. The AOC Bordeaux Supérieur wines must meet quality criteria even more specific than those of the AOC Bordeaux. > AOC Bordeaux Supérieur wines are stronger than AOC Bordeaux wines and their flavour is more complex.     Careful : Alcohol abuse is dangerous for the health. Please drink responsibly.
  • The labels of the wine-making sector

    The labels of the wine-making sector

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    Numerous labels have been created with the aim of highlighting the quality of our heritage (viticulture, agricultural etc ...) to give it all the visibility it deserves to the public ; tourists or consumers.   A national label: "Vineyards and Discoveries"   In order to promote wine tourism, now called "oenotourism", the label "Vineyards and Discoveries" was instituted in 2009 by the Ministry of Tourism and Agriculture.   The duration of the labeling is 3 years for oenotouristic destinations offering various touristic products : visits of cellars and wine cellars, accommodation, restaurants, wine bars, cultural and/or natural and/or intangible heritage, tourist offices etc ...   All the beneficiaries of the label are committing to : Respect all the criteria of the rules of the label "Vineyards and Discoveries" Advocating and apply responsible consumption   In 2011, 19 destinations in France such as Dijon Côte de nuit and Muscadet Loire Océan were already labeled "Vineyards and Discoveries".   6 wine roads were labeled in Gironde in the end of 2015 : The Wine Roads of Bordeaux, Saint-Emilion, Pomerol and Fronsac The Wine Roads of Bordeaux, door of the vineyard The Wine Roads of Bordeaux in Entre-Deux-Mers The Wine Roads of Bordeaux in Graves and Sauternes The Wine Roads of Bordeaux in Médoc The Wine Roads of Bordeaux in Blaye and Bourg       A regional label: "Vineyards Destination"   This label issued by the region of New Aquitaine is aimed at all the vineyards of the region. Today, there are about 700 vineyards labeled "Vineyards Destination".   The estates labeled correspond to a very precise charter guaranteeing: the respect for opening hours and opening periods the information on the languages used into the property the price display conditions of visit the provision of tourist information the respect of the environment.           Careful : Alcohol abuse is dangerous for the health. Please drink responsibly.
  • The Best of Wine Tourism contest

    The Best of Wine Tourism contest

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    This label, set up in 2003 by the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce and Industry, rewards wine estates as well as companies that add value to wine tourism in the region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. This contest classifies them in 8 categories :   Architecture and Landscapes Art and Culture Discovery and Innovation Accommodation in a wine estate Restaurant in a wine estate Development of environmental good practices Wine Tourism Jury’s choice   In each category a Gold - Best Of Wine Tourism is attributed to the winner and laureates (3 or 4 for each category) are also elected and rewarded. Each year, an award ceremony is held to reward the new laureates. The national winners are selected for the International Best of Wine Tourism Award. Since the creation of this contest, 3100 candidates have participated and more than 465 wine estates have obtained a prize.   The winner of this award obtain a trophy as well as a welcome plaque to inform visitors that the quality of their wine tourism services has been recognized and rewarded.   In addition, this contest allows participants to benefit from high visibility among tourism professionals with a nationally and internationally media coverage and among the general public through a wide distribution through social networks (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter).   Finally, a mini-guide book listing the winners of the contest is published to more than ten thousand copies each year and is also downloadable online.   The Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce and Industry has also set up the "Great Wine Capitals Travel Network" allowing 9 capitals of great vineyards to work in close collaboration and facilitate exchanges between these "capitals".   These capitals are: Bordeaux in France, Adelaide in Australia, Bilbao-Rioja in Spain, Porto in Portugal, Cape Town in South Africa, Mainz-Rheinhessen in Germany, Mendoza in Argentina, San Francisco-Napa Valley in the United States and Valparaíso-Casablanca Valley in Chile.     Careful : Alcohol abuse is dangerous for the health. Please drink responsibly.
  • Conseil des Vins de Saint-Émilion

    Conseil des Vins de Saint-Émilion

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    The Saint-Emilion Wine Council brings together 970 winegrowers for the 4 appellations: Puisseguin Saint-Emilion, Lussac Saint-Emilion, Saint-Emilion and Saint-Emilion Grand Cru. It was the first wine syndicate created in France in 1884 and paved the way for many estates: it was here that the first cooperative winery in the Gironde was born, and the control of wines through tasting. Today, the aim of the Saint-Emilion Wine Council is to : Promote the appellations of Saint-Emilion, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, Lussac Saint-Emilion and Puisseguin Saint-Emilion through public relations and press relations actions both in France and abroad.   Carrying out the missions delegated by the State as the AOC Defence and Management Body: drawing up specifications with the INAO and inspection plans with the Inspection Body, identifying operators, monitoring winegrowing operations, participating in actions to defend and protect the name, product and terroir, enhancing the value of the product and providing statistical knowledge of the sector.   To provide its members with a wide range of advice and services in all areas affecting the life of the farm: brand protection, wine-growing regulations, oenology, viticulture, training, etc.
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  • Vignerons de Puisseguin Lussac Saint-Emilion

    Vignerons de Puisseguin Lussac Saint-Emilion

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    The winegrowers of Puisseguin Lussac Saint-Emilion came together at the dawn of the Second World War, in 1938, in order to pool their tools, their strengths and their investments to enhance the quality of their terroirs.   This is how the cooperative winery, located in Puisseguin, was born. Its winegrowers produce wines from some of the most beautiful Bordeaux appellations: Puisseguin Saint-Emilion, Lussac Saint-Emilion, Montagne Saint-Emilion, Côtes de Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur, Bordeaux and recently the IGP Atlantique.   The Lussac Saint-Emilion appellation Lussac is located opposite the Saint-Emilion plateau. The appellation covers some 1,500 hectares. The vineyard seems to date back to the Gallo-Roman period. A trilogy of landscapes characterises this AOC: hillside, plateau and lower slopes. The plateau is made up of Perigord sands, which produce pleasant young wines, and the hillside is made up of clay-limestone, where wines with longer ageing potential are produced. These are powerful but elegant wines, which have a good aptitude for ageing.   The appellation Puisseguin Saint-Emilion Puisseguin is located opposite the Saint-Emilion plateau. The appellation covers approximately 760 hectares. Its name comes from the combination of the word "Puy" which means "mount" and the name Seguin, Charlemagne's lieutenant. These are fleshy, tannic wines with good ageing potential.   You can find wines from these appellations in the shop of the Vignerons de Puisseguin Lussac Saint-Emilion! 
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  • Syndicat Viticole Francs Côtes de Bordeaux

    Syndicat Viticole Francs Côtes de Bordeaux

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    The Côtes de Francs appellation was recognised as an AOC by the INAO in 1967. It has been called Francs Côtes de Bordeaux since 2008.   Situated about fifty kilometres north-east of Bordeaux, it is one of the smallest and most easterly of the department covering 525 hectares spread over 3 communes: Francs, Saint Cibard and Tayac. It is made up of 41 properties and 3 cooperative cellars.   Its terroir is made up in the south of limestone with asteries covered with limestone molasses known as "de l'agenais" and in the rest of the appellation of limestone molasses known as "du fronsadais".   The vineyard is planted with various grape varieties. For the red wines, Merlot is in the majority, as in the whole of Libourne, and presents between 50 and 60%. Next come Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, representing about 40 to 50%. As far as white wines are concerned, Semillon dominates with 60%, while Muscadelle and Sauvignon complete the range of grape varieties equally.   The annual production is on average : 26,000 hl - 3,300,000 blles for the red Bordeaux Côtes de Francs 144 hl - 19,000 bottles for Bordeaux Côtes de Francs dry white wine 50 hl - 8,000 bottles for the Bordeaux Côte de Francs liqueur region
  • Syndicat Viticole de Lalande de Pomerol

    Syndicat Viticole de Lalande de Pomerol

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    Located 15 minutes from Saint-Emilion in Libourne region, Lalande de Pomerol has 157 winegrowers on a surface of 1138 hectares. The areas are mainly homesteads, happy to share their knowledge and the love of their beautiful land.   Discover the diversity of our wines: the Lalande Pomerol wine syndicate is opened Monday to Friday from 2:00pm to 5:00pm.
  • Syndicat Viticole de Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux

    Syndicat Viticole de Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux

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    With an altitude difference of more than 100 metres, 3 main types of soil make Castillon an exceptional land. Gravelly near the river Dordogne, the clayey soils at the foot of the hillsides become clayey-limestone then limestone on the plateaux. 230 families of passionate, committed, forward-looking winegrowers and as many personalities to discover. Intimate properties averaging 10 hectares in size offering a privileged contact with the winegrower. A rich appellation that inspires new vocations: Women winegrowers Renowned oenologists Young entrepreneurs The appellation, which has a large number of winegrowers committed to an environmental approach, 25% of whom are involved in bio/biodynamics, has always been a forerunner in the protection of nature (1st Bordeaux appellation to set up a wine effluent treatment plant in 2002).  The winegrowers of Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux have always preserved biodiversity by respecting the natural balance between wooded areas and plots of vines. Find the wines of the appellation at the Maison du Vin located in Castillon-la-Bataille.
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