Wednesday, September 26, 2012

St Emilion Wine Is From An Ancient And Renowned Bordeaux Region

By Patrice McCoy


World renowned red St Emilion wine vintages originate in the oldest area of the region of Bordeaux. Bordeaux, as cognoscente are aware, is famous for its top quality wines. But this also has a World Heritage UNESCO listing.

The linage of this area goes back to an early human settlement period. The appellations are identified by the name of a small Gironde department town. This is located in Aquitaine. Roman ruins and churches are spread across its willowy streets. The unexpected magnificence of the parish church will be a revelation for travelers. This grand and imposing structure is the largest of European troglodyte basilicas. Constructed from local stone, this thousand year old structure has magnificent frescoes and carvings.

The municipality is named after a monk who arrived in the 8th Century. He settled in a hermitage carved into stone. It is perched on a hilltop and is about 20 miles inland from the port in Bordeaux city. It is an enchantingly preserved medieval setting.

The Romans by the 2nd century had planted the original vineyards. Monks who followed the itinerant monk began first production from the vineyards on a commercial scale. The distinguishing feature is its robustly potent appellations. These wines also mature quicker than other regional varieties.

Adjunct to the Pomerol, this area is smaller than the Medoc. The product uses the same grapes as other producers on the right section of the Gironde. Merlot and Cabernet Franc are the predominant varieties. Some producers may also use the Cabernet Sauvignon grape. Formal classification was first made in 1955 and not in the 1855 classification of Bordeaux, despite the lineage.

The distinctive limestone soil defines the quality of the result. Towards the east where the town is situated, most top producers are located on a plateau. This raised table is divided into two parts. In the west lies St Martin plateau where many leading wineries are positioned around the municipality. On the east lies St Christophe plateau where less esteemed estates reside. The slopes are a mix of limestone and clay.

The largest city in this region is a showpiece with 18th Century mansions and well appointed private houses. A splendid opera house, boutiques and numerous bars provide the young and sociable with opportunities to mingle in sophisticated urban surroundings. Besides Paris, here are located the most well stocked vintners in the country. For buffs of the local product, this is an ideal place for beginning explorations of the surrounding vineyards.

The two wines Chateau Ausone and Chateau Cheval Blanc are only ones presently classified in the top classification. There are thirteen categorized in the next class and fifty three in the next. A large number of St Emilion wine offerings are also classified as Grand Cru. You can just come to taste rather than buy these wines, if you express your wish to simply learn about regional wines. Owners of vineyards welcome such visitors. Their wineries may be located with the help of the information office helpfully placed in the city. This office has maps with a listing of telephone numbers. Travel agents can also arrange tours. If you do not have the time, the office offers another venue. It operates an Ecole du Vin that provides a weekend course at reasonable cost. This is another way to learn and try local vintages. The ecole provides two hour tasting sessions as well.




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