Saint-Estèphe

The first known vines in Saint-Estèphe date back to the Roman occupation, but it was Bordeaux merchants who, by raising and selling Saint-Estèphe wines themselves, played a major role in the appellation's reputation. The 19th century, marked by prosperity, saw the creation of the great estates of today. This trend continues today with the regrouping of smaller estates.

A land of great wines, Saint-Estèphe is located almost in the center of the Médoc, close to the Gironde estuary, equidistant from Bordeaux and Pointe-de-Grave. With 1,250 hectares, the Saint-Estèphe appellation d'origine contrôlée is the largest of the Médoc's six communal appellations. Annual production can reach 60,000 hectolitres. All crus families are represented (5 Crus Classés, 45 Crus Bourgeois, 25 Crus Artisans and other Crus). The soil is characterized by a remarkably diverse composition of layers, a consequence of its rugged topography, and excellent natural drainage. Everywhere, the soil is strewn with quartz and rolled pebbles, mixed with a light, sandy surface that gives the wines their distinctive finesse. The subsoil is made up of the famous Saint-Estèphe limestone, which outcrops to the west of the commune. Saint-Estèphe wines are blended mainly 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. As a result, they can age for a very long time while retaining their youth and freshness. The subsoil is more clayey than that of other riverside communal appellations, giving the wine a distinctive character.

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

To the eye, a Saint Estephe has a lovely dark red color. With its rich bouquet, it is distinguished on the palate by great length and a solid structure. Refined and elegant, Saint Estephe is characterized above all by a great finesse of aromas, between ripe fruit (blackcurrant) and floral notes (violet) to which are added notes of mocha, vanilla, spices and licorice.

Although they can be enjoyed young, Saint Estèphe wines are more suited to laying down (or even long laying down), thanks to their exceptional ageing potential. Aging between 5 and 50 years gives them fruitiness and roundness.

The Saint Estèphe appellation boasts just 5 Grands Crus Classés in 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, making it possible to enjoy an excellent Saint Estèphe at an affordable price.

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

What to eat with a Saint Estèphe wine? As a red wine with great tannic power, it goes perfectly with red meats such as prime rib. It also goes very well with lamb, hare, game birds (pheasant, pigeon, partridge...), poultry or mushroom-based dishes. To fully appreciate the aromas of this world-renowned wine, serve at a temperature of between 15 and 18°C.