Saint-Émilion – Bordeaux’s Right Bank

Saint-Émilion sits on the right bank of the Dordogne, where Merlot dominates and Cabernet Franc plays the supporting role. The result is softer and rounder than Left Bank Bordeaux, with plummy fruit and a plush texture.

Understanding the classification

Saint-Émilion runs its own classification, and unusually it is revised roughly every decade – châteaux can be promoted or demoted. The tiers run from Grand Cru up through Grand Cru Classé to Premier Grand Cru Classé B and A. It means the label tells you something current, rather than a ranking frozen in 1855 as on the Left Bank.

When to drink it

Merlot-led wines are approachable earlier than Cabernet-led ones. A good Saint-Émilion is often enjoyable from five years, while the classified wines will keep developing for twenty or more.

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