Notre AOC
HISTORY
Situated in an area where vines were first cultivated at the time of the Roman conquest, Saint Georges is a unique site where remains have been excavated of an imposing villa thought to have belonged to the consul and poet Ausonius, who also grew vines.
It was originally a small religious community to which its 11th century Romanesque church still attests. This elegant edifice with its primitive style and rustic sculptures is a source of Tourist attraction. Parts of the structure are Carolingian, dating back to the 9th century. Saint Georges used to be a barony with a mansion, which was transformed in 1773 into a marvel of Louis 16th architecture by the architect Victor Louis.
LE TERROIR
Facing the Saint Emilion plateau, from which it is separated only by the small river Barbanne, the « terroir » of Saint Georges Saint Emilion has a remarkable geological make-up and benefits from unique weather patterns. Its soils are almost exclusively clayey limestone with uniform well-drained slopes and a Southerly to South-Westerly exposure that provides maximum sunshine right up to harvest time. These privileged natural conditions help ensure that the grapes are perfectly ripe and reach their optimal expression.
THE SAINT GEORGES SAINT EMILION WINEGROWING AREA
The vineyards of Saint Georges Saint Emilion cover 200 hectares (495 acres) and products an average of nine to ten thousand hectolitres each year.
GRAPE VARIETIES
70% Merlot,
15% Cabernet Franc (ou Bouchet),
10% Cabernet Sauvignon,
5% Malbec.
QUALITY
The Saint Georges Saint Emilion winegrowers strive to maintain their wines reputation by keeping alive the tradition of high quality on their estates.
This is characterised by average planting densities of 5 500 vines per hectare and a basic yield of 50 hectolitres per hectare. Utmost care and attention are paid to making and ageing these wines that have premium quality potential. Under the responsibility of the French Institute of AOCs (INAO), when the wines are bottled, they are inspected by an independent body an winegrowers’ and merchants’ premises. Production facilities are also inspected by the appellation’s Defense and Management Organisation and by the outside inspection body.
CHARACTERISTICS OF ST GEORGES ST EMILION WINES
Saint Georges Saint Emilion wines display all the qualities on which the reputation of Saint Emilion was founded : a deep crimson robe that takes on brick-red tints as the wines age and a bouquet that first releases blackcurrant and red fruit aromas, the more complex notes as the wines age. On the palate these wines are powerful, full-bodied, fleshy and silky smooth.
They are rich in tannins and can be laid down for extended periods, sometimes more than 40 years.
HOW BEST TO ENJOY SAINT GEORGES SAINT EMILION WINES
Saint Georges Saint Emilion wines should be served at between 16°C and 18°C.
Recent vintages are best uncorked an hour before drinking, to let their bouquet develop. Older bottles will need decanting if they show signs of sediment, and should therefore be served from a carafe.
Saint Georges Saint Emilion wines go perfectly with all roasts and red meats. The older vintages reveal their best with game, either, roasted or in stews, with cep mushrooms (penny buns) or with a variety of cheeses
