Saint-Estèphe French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Saint-Estèphe is the northernmost of the four great communal appellations of the Médoc, known for firm, deeply coloured, long-lived Bordeaux reds with a fresh, earthy character.
More info about Saint-Estèphe
Geographic position
Southwestern France, in the Gironde, on the left bank of the Gironde estuary about 55 km north of Bordeaux, just north of Pauillac and across a small stream from Château Lafite Rothschild.
Origin & history
Vines were planted here by the Romans, and the village grew as a river port. Five châteaux were classified in 1855, led by the Second Growths Cos d'Estournel and Montrose, along with Calon-Ségur, whose heart-shaped label recalls the Marquis de Ségur's love for this estate. Many leading Crus Bourgeois are also found here. The AOC was created in 1936.
Wines & grape varieties
Red wine only, blending Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (often more Merlot than elsewhere in the Médoc) with Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Expect blackcurrant, plum, cedar, earth and firm tannins.
Climate & soil
Temperate oceanic climate moderated by the estuary. Gravel over a higher proportion of clay and limestone, which holds water and gives structure.
Wine region: Bordeaux
Grape varieties: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot