Grapes and blends used in St. Emilion Grand Cru

Wine types in St. Emilion Grand Cru

The wines from St. Emilion are made from a blend that consists of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. They need around 4-8 years to be ready for drinking and can be cellared well.

The St. Emilion region was not part of the 1855 classification of Médoc wines. Instead, St. Emilion has developed its own system of classification which is reviewed regularly. In order of descending quality (best first):

• Premier Grand cru classé A. Only 2 properties have achieved this level: Château Ausone and Château Cheval Blanc.

• Premier Grand Cru classé B: 11 wineries (Château Angélus, Château Beauséjour (Duffau-Lagarrosse), Château Beau-Séjour Bécot, Château Belair Monange, Château Canon, Château Figeac, Clos Fourtet, Château La Gaffelière, Château Magdelaine, Château Pavie and Château Trottevieille)
• Grand Cru Classé: 53 wineries

The classification was established in 1996. In 2006 the classification was revised. Some producers that had been demoted in this classification took up a legal fight and won; it was decided that the new classification was invalid. In the mean time, the 1996 classification remained valid for the wines produced in 2006-2009.