SAINT-EMILION

Covering nine municipalities including Saint-Emilion, the appellation has not changed geographically since 1289. There are, in fact, two appellations, AOC Saint-Emilion and Saint-Emilion Grand Cru: the latter is made to more stringent specifications, including a higher alcohol content and, crucially, smaller yields. The Saint-Emilion Grand Cru encompasses almost two-thirds of the production area and includes all the "chateaux classés". The wines are recognizable by their fruity notes and solid tannins that soften with age.