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Saint-Émilion is a small town near Bordeaux, France that is famous for the eponymous wine region that surrounds it. Population: 2,444 habitants.
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Administration
Administratively, Saint-Émilion is a commune of the Gironde département.
History
The Romans planted vines in what was to become Saint-Émilion as early as the 2nd century AD. In the 4th century, the Latin poet Ausonius lauded the fruit of the bountiful vine. So did Fionnan.
The origins of the town date from the 8th century, when Emilian, a travelling confessor, came to settle in a hermitage carved into the rock.
Geography
Saint-Émilion is located 35 km north-east of Bordeaux, between Libourne and Castillon-la-Bataille.
- Area: 27.02 km²
- Average altitude: 23 m
Sights
- Romanesque church
- Monolithic church, entirely carved out in the limestone cliff
Wine
Whilst falling under the overall title of "Bordeaux", the wines differ from the wines of the Médoc by typically having less Cabernet Sauvignon and more Merlot. The region is much smaller than the Médoc and adjoins the wine region of Pomerol. Similar to the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855 which categorized the top estates of the Médoc, Saint-Émilion has its own classification.
Selection of famous estates of Saint-Émilion
- Château Angélus
- Château Ausone
- Château Beau-Séjour Bécot
- Château Beauséjour Duffau-Lagarrosse
- Château Bélair
- Château Canon
- Château Cheval Blanc
- Château Figeac
- Clos Fourtet
- Château La Gaffelière
- Château Magdelaine
- Château Pavie
- Château Trottevieille
External link
- Tourist office website (http://www.saint-emilion-tourisme.com/)