St Emilion Wine Is A Renowned Red Bordeaux

,
By Patrice McCoy


World renowned red St Emilion wine vintages originate in the oldest area of the region of Bordeaux. Bordeaux, as cognoscente are aware, is famous for its top quality wines. But this also has a World Heritage UNESCO listing.

Historically its linage is prehistoric. The appellations are named after a town in the Gironde department of Aquitaine in southwest France. Roman era ruins and churches stretch across its slender and precipitous streets. The unexpected large scale and beauty of the parish church will surprise visitors. Built on a massive scale, this is the most immense European troglodyte basilica. Carved from local substratum over a thousand years ago, the carvings and frescoes are magnificent.

The municipality bears the name of an itinerant monk who settled in the 8th Century at this location. He was a mobile confessor who settled in a hermitage carved into a cave. It is 20 miles interior from the coast and Bordeaux city. Perched on a hilltop the medieval setting is an enchanting backdrop.

The Romans were the first to plant vineyards here by the 2nd century. The monks who followed him were the first ones to commence commercial production in the area. These wines are considered to be the most robust of those produced in this part of the country. They reach maturity faster than the other reds.

The select area is adjunct to Pomerol and not as large as the Medoc. Similar to the Pomerol and other appellations from the right side of the Gironde, the main grapes used are the Merlot and Cabernet Franc. A few chateaux also use some Cabernet Sauvignon. First formal classification was made in 1955, and despite the lineage, not in the 1855 classification of regional varieties.

Limestone is soil which defines appellation quality. Towards the area where the town stands, the major wineries lie perched on a plateau. Its slopes have clay mixed with limestone. The raised table has two sections. St Martin plateau is in the western part where leading wineries are dotted around the municipality. The St Christophe plateau in the eastern section has the less prestigious producers.

The largest city in this region is a showpiece with 18th Century mansions and well appointed private houses. A splendid opera house, boutiques and numerous bars provide the young and sociable with opportunities to mingle in sophisticated urban surroundings. Besides Paris, here are located the most well stocked vintners in the country. For buffs of the local product, this is an ideal place for beginning explorations of the surrounding vineyards.

Chateau Ausone and Chateau Cheval Blanc are the only two St Emilion wine appellations in the top class. Thirteen have been awarded the next categorization and fifty three are in the following category. A substantial representation is classified Grand Cru. There is opportunity for simply tasting these wines, if you desire to just learn about them. Wineries are welcome and introduces visitors to their wines. Vineyards can be identified with the assistance of the information office in the city. Maps with listed telephone numbers provide all the information you need to begin your exploration. Tours may also be arranged through travel agents. A quicker venue is the Ecole du Vin operated by the information office that offers a weekend course. The price is reasonable. It also provides 2 hour tasting sessions.




About the Author: