Saturday, January 12, 2013

St Emilion Wine Producers Make Distinctive Bordeax Wines

By Dorothea Garner


The st emilion wine vineyards are located in the most ancient region of Bordeaux. The properties are spread around the namesake town, a lovely town perched on a hilltop. It is named after the monk who settled and built a hermitage. The monks who followed after the founder were the first to begin commercial production. Its winemaking history dates to the Roman era. A UNESCO World Heritage site, history here extends to a prehistoric time.

This area, situated near Pomerol, is certainly not as extensive as Medoc. Yet a large number of diminutive properties generate a copious amount of wines. The grapes grown here are the same ones used by wineries on the right bank of the River Gironde. Cabernet Franc and Merlot are dominant grapes. Some wines also contain Cabernet Sauvignon. In this region, formal classification began in 1955. The 1855 classification does not include this appellation.

Here limestone defines appellation quality. Major wineries are situated on and around plateau. Slope soils are basically a mixture of clay with limestone. The plateau has two sections. St Martin is on the western side. Leading winemakers are scattered around the municipality. St Christophe is on the eastern side. Here are some of the less prestigious wineries.

This extensive wine producing region is defined by its terroir distinctions. Numerous diminutive properties are spread over twelve thousand acres. Distinctive notable soils in this area are gravel, clay, sand and most notably its limestone. There is great variance in styles. These variations result from distinctions in fermentation processes, soil, aging, and blending differences. Majority of the best are produced from grapes sown on slopes of limestone and the plateau near Pomerol where sand and gravel mix.

Unlike members of the famous 1855 Classification of the Medoc and Graves, regional winemakers revise their rankings every 10 years or so. But this has led to some controversies and dissent. Most recently the 2006 review led to lawsuits by demoted properties. The courts annulled and then eventually partially reinstated this classification. Thereafter, a new classification was outsourced. Members of the new commission hail from the Rhone Valley, Burgundy, Champagne, Provence and the Loire Valley.

There is a Grand Cru appellation also, but it should be confused as being a classification rank. The three classifications are Premier Grand Cru Classes A and B and a lower Grand Cru Classe. The Classe A category is, of course, the best.

The 2012 review made Chateau Angelus and Chateau Pavie Premier Classe A wines. First time Premiers grands cru listing was awarded to Larcis Ducasse, Canon la Gaffeliere and modern garage producers Valandraud and La Mondotte. Chateau Magdelaine was taken out since it merged with Chateau BelairMonange. 68 sought to be Grand Cru Classe and 28 sought Premier Grand Cru Classe designation out of 96 total applicants. 64 were granted their wish to become Grand Cru Classe wines and 18 won Premier Grand Cru Classes designations.

Tasting tours offer a chance to simply sample regional wines. Classes are available for budding oenophiles wishing to grow their skills in valuation. Local producers embrace prearranged visitations and are happy to introduce their st emilion wine styles. A visit to local vineyards also offers a sightseeing opportunity to explore nearby Roman remnants, the town and its medieval buildings including the largest European troglodyte basilica. The hill top community is positioned a little inland from the coast and between Castillon la Bataille and Libourne about 22 miles from Bordeaux municipality.




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