Appellation Bordeaux Saint Estèphe

This appellation is located a few kilometers north of the city of Bordeaux, in southwestern France. It is part of the Médoc region.AOC Saint-Estèphe is distinguished by the complexity of its terroirs and subsoils, and by the richness of its range of wines from different producers. In this guide, we take a look at the vineyards of this appellation and the best Bordeaux Saint-Estèphe wines

Situation and description of the appellation Saint-Estèphe

This appellation is located in the northernmost part of the Left Bank. It adjoins the northern end of Pauillac, next to Château Lafite-Rothschild. Although Saint-Estèphe is almost identical in area to Pauillac, it has very few crus in the 1855 classification. The appellation covers 1,377 hectares of vines cultivated by 136 growers. These growers include 56 different châteaux. The terroir of this appellation offers slopes and elevations based on sands, clay deposits and small pebbles. The clay layers facilitate natural drainage, heat retention and grape ripening. The best terroir is located on the hillside of Cos, not far from the vineyards of Château Cos d'Estournel. Moving eastwards, we encounter sandier soils composed of marine limestone, with marly subsoils towards the south.

Our selection of Bordeaux Saint-Estèphe wines

Due to the diversity of terroirs and soil types, grape variety composition and oceanic climate, there are several styles of Bordeaux Saint-Estèphe wines. If, before the 1982 vintage, the best wines of this appellation had a reputation for being rustic, austere and rich in tannins, improved winemaking methods and the addition of Merlot to the vineyards have changed all that. They are now fuller-bodied and more concentrated, with persistent length. The Crus Bourgeois are also more affordable, with aromas of plum, earth and softer tannins. The appellation currently boasts 35 châteaux classified as Crus Bourgeois