Saint-Emilion Tourisme
Place du Clocher
33330 Saint-Emilion
05 57 55 28 28
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 :
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:
For more information about the Saint-Emilion's classification, go here >
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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