Bordeaux appellation Saint Julien

TheSaint-Julien AOC is the smallest of the Médoc's 4 famous communes (Saint-Estèphe, Pauillac, Margaux and Saint-Julien), covering just 910 hectares of vineyards. However, it is home to the greatest classified growth on the left bank. Although it does not have as many châteaux and wine estates as the other appellations, it does have a large number of vineyards that are quite exceptional in terms of the quality and price of the wines. In this guide, we will review the Bordeaux Saint-Julien appellation and the best wines in this classification

History and terroir of the Bordeaux Saint-Julien appellation

This appellation is located in the heart of the Médoc vineyards, on the banks of the Gironde estuary. It lies between Pauillac and Margaux. Its vineyards produce 6% of the Médoc's wines, i.e. 41,000 hl of red wine. These wines have the power of Pauillac and the elegance of Margaux. Despite its small size, this appellation comprises 11 crus classés, or 80% of the AOC. The town of Saint-Julien was built in the 7th century under the name of Saint-Julien de Reinhac. At the time, it was an administrative town called "Saint-Julien-Médoc". But it wasn't until the 17th century that it acquired a reputation as a producer of Bordeaux wines on the left bank. The wealthy nobles of the time built landmark châteaux in the region, while cultivating the famous vineyards that still exist today. Extensive vineyards can still be found around the villages of Saint-Julien and Beychevelle. The Saint-Julien terroir is the most homogenous of all the Médoc appellations. It is mainly composed of clay-limestone gravel, marl and pebbles, ideal soil for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Saint-Julien wines are renowned for their great capacity for ageing, their deep colour combining elegance, fine aromas and power. They are full-bodied, well-structured and well-balanced on the palate, with a lingering finish

Our selection of Bordeaux Saint-Julien appellation wines

This appellation has everything to satisfy Bordeaux wine lovers. These are harmonious wines, luxurious on the palate with supple, velvety tannins