Saint-Émilion

Saint-Émilion is located in the Libournais district on Bordeaux’s Right Bank. Merlot is the dominant grape variety used in its wines, typically blended with Cabernet Franc and, occasionally, Cabernet Sauvignon. Petit Verdot and Malbec are also permitted, while Carmenère is allowed but very rarely used.

The appellation has a complex classification system that includes Premier Grand Cru Classé A, Premier Grand Cru Classé B, and Grand Cru Classé. Wines labeled as Saint-Émilion Grand Cru may also appear on bottles; however, if the word Classé is absent, the wine is not part of the official classification system. In recent years, several top estates, including Château Angélus, Château Ausone, and Château Cheval Blanc, have voluntarily withdrawn from the classification process, though their wines continue to be highly regarded.