Saint-Émilion

Saint-Émilion is a rich, dry red from Bordeaux, France, usually led by Merlot with Cabernet Franc playing a major supporting role. Expect plum, black cherry and blackberry with herbs, spice and earthy flavours. Smooth but structured, it’s brilliant with steak, roast beef, lamb, beef stew, mushroom dishes and mature cheese.

Taste:

Plush fruit with a seriously polished finish.

Saint-Émilion is typically dry and medium to full-bodied, with moderate to firm tannins and plenty of ripe fruit. Expect plum, black cherry, blackberry and red cherry, often joined by violet, dried herbs, cedar and savoury spice.

Merlot usually brings softness and generous plum fruit, while Cabernet Franc can add freshness, fragrance and herbal notes. Oak ageing may introduce vanilla, toast, tobacco or chocolate, while mature bottles can develop earthy flavours of leather, truffle and mushroom.

It’s rich without necessarily being huge, structured without feeling like hard work. Very French of it.

Food Pairings:

Saint-Émilion is right at home with rich, savoury food.

Steak is a classic pairing, particularly ribeye, sirloin, fillet or steak with peppercorn sauce. It also works beautifully with roast beef, beef bourguignon, beef stew, beef short ribs and slow-cooked beef.

Lamb is another excellent match. Try roast lamb, lamb chops or lamb shank, especially with garlic, rosemary or thyme.

The wine’s earthy side makes mushroom dishes particularly good partners, including mushroom risotto, mushroom pasta, mushroom pie and truffle pasta.

For something a little more casual, try Saint-Émilion with burgers, beef pie or a Sunday roast.

On the cheese board, mature Cheddar, Comté, Gruyère and aged Gouda all have enough flavour to keep things interesting.

Similar Wines:

If you enjoy Saint-Émilion, Pomerol is an obvious next stop for another famous Merlot-led red from Bordeaux’s Right Bank.

Bordeaux opens up the wider region, while Merlot is worth exploring if it’s the plush plum fruit and softer texture you love most.

Cabernet Franc is another great choice if you enjoy the fresher, more aromatic and herbal side of the blend.

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More About Saint-Émilion:

Saint-Émilion sits on Bordeaux’s Right Bank in southwestern France, surrounding a ridiculously picturesque medieval village of the same name.

Unlike many famous wines from Bordeaux’s Left Bank, where Cabernet Sauvignon tends to dominate, Saint-Émilion generally favours Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The exact blend varies between producers and vineyards.

The region has its own classification system, including the prestigious Premier Grand Cru Classé category, and its vineyards cover a varied mix of limestone, clay, gravel and sandy soils.

Saint-Émilion itself and its surrounding vineyards are also recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Wine, medieval streets, underground cellars and rolling vineyards. They really didn't leave much for the rest of us.