Saint-Estèphe

The first known vineyards in Saint-Estèphe date back to the Roman occupation, but it was the Bordeaux wine merchants who, by producing and selling Saint-Estèphe wines themselves, played a major role in establishing the appellation's reputation. The 19th century, marked by prosperity, saw the creation of the large estates that exist today. This trend continues today with the consolidation of small farms.

A land of great wines, Saint-Estèphe is located almost in the center of the Médoc, very close to the Gironde estuary; the appellation is equidistant from Bordeaux and Pointe-de-Grave. With 1,250 hectares, the Saint-Estèphe appellation d'origine contrôlée is the largest of the six communal appellations in the Médoc. Annual production can reach 60,000 hectoliters. All the families of wines are represented here (5 Crus Classés, 45 Crus Bourgeois, 25 Crus Artisans and other Crus). Its soil is characterized by the remarkable diversity of its layers, a consequence of its rugged terrain, and excellent natural drainage. It is strewn with quartz and rounded pebbles, mixed with light, sandy soil on the surface, which gives the wines a very particular finesse. The subsoil consists of the famous Saint-Estèphe limestone, which outcrops to the west of the commune. Saint-Estèphe wines are mainly blended from Cabernet Sauvignon combined with Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

Thanks to ideal climatic and geological conditions, Saint-Estèphe wines are characterized by their solid qualities and robust constitution. This allows them to age for a very long time while retaining their youthfulness and freshness. Marked by a more clayey subsoil than that of other communal appellations along the river, the wine gains a certain typicity.

The blend of Saint Estèphe wines consists mainly of Cabernet Sauvignon (50%) and Merlot (40%), complemented by Cabernet Franc (7%) and Petit Verdot (3%). 

To the eye, a Saint-Estèphe displays a beautiful dark red color. With its rich bouquet, it stands out on the palate with its long finish and solid structure. Refined and elegant, Saint Estèphe is characterized above all by its great finesse of aromas, with notes of ripe fruit (blackcurrant) and floral notes (violet), complemented by hints of mocha, vanilla, spices, and licorice.

Although they can be enjoyed young, Saint Estèphe wines are generally suited for aging (even long-term aging) thanks to their exceptional aging potential. Aging between 5 and 50 years gives them fruitiness and roundness.

The Saint Estèphe appellation has only five Grands Crus Classés from 1855: Château Montrose, Château Calon Ségur, Château Lafon-Rochet, Château Cos Labory, and Château Cos D'Estournel, famous for its cellars topped with Asian-inspired pagodas. These prestigious châteaux also produce a second wine from young vines, allowing consumers to enjoy an excellent Saint Estèphe at an affordable price.

The Saint Estèphe AOC includes other great wines, including "Crus Bourgeois," a designation awarded to high-quality Bordeaux wines that were not classified in 1855. Among the exceptional Crus Bourgeois are the wines of Château Ormes de Pez, Château Phélan Ségur, and Château Haut Marbuzet, located between Cos d'Estournel and Château Montrose. The wine of Haut Marbuzet is particularly rich, deep, and warm.

What to eat with a Saint Estèphe wine? As this is a red wine with powerful tannins, it pairs perfectly with red meats such as rib of beef. It also goes very well with lamb, hare, game birds (pheasant, pigeon, partridge, etc.), poultry, and mushroom-based dishes. To fully enjoy the aromas of this world-renowned wine, it is best served at a temperature between 15 and 18°C.