Saint-Émilion, a great Right Bank vineyard and legendary châteaux

Located on the Right Bank of Bordeaux, the Saint-Émilion appellation holds a major place in the history of fine French wine. Its medieval village, vineyard slopes and the Jurisdiction of Saint-Émilion, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, make it one of Bordeaux’s most emblematic wine landscapes.

The appellation is home to some of the most sought-after names on the Right Bank, including Château Cheval Blanc, Château Angélus, Château Pavie, Château Figeac, Château Canon, Clos Fourtet and Troplong Mondot. Each estate offers its own interpretation of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, limestone soils and the great terroirs of Saint-Émilion.

Terroirs and grape varieties

Saint-Émilion is defined by a remarkable diversity of soils: limestone plateau, clay-limestone slopes, lower slopes, gravel and sandy parcels depending on the sector. This mosaic gives rise to a wide range of wines, from refined and finely drawn expressions to denser, more generous and structured styles.

Merlot is the dominant grape variety, bringing roundness, ripe fruit, volume and a velvety texture. Cabernet Franc plays a key role in many of the finest wines, adding freshness, length, floral complexity and precision. Cabernet Sauvignon, used in smaller proportions, can bring additional structure and ageing potential to certain blends.

The great châteaux of Saint-Émilion

Château Cheval Blanc remains one of the most distinctive signatures of Saint-Émilion, renowned for the major role of Cabernet Franc in its blends and for the exceptional elegance of its wines.

Château Angélus reflects a generous, velvety and highly aromatic expression of the Right Bank, marked by black fruits, spice, the depth of Merlot and the freshness of Cabernet Franc.

Château Pavie, located on the southern slope of Saint-Émilion, is known for deep, structured and powerful wines with impressive ageing potential. Alongside Figeac, Canon, Clos Fourtet, Troplong Mondot, Ausone and La Gaffelière, it contributes to the prestige and diversity of the appellation.

Classification, styles and great vintages

The Saint-Émilion Grand Cru classification distinguishes several levels, including Premiers Grands Crus Classés and Grands Crus Classés. In the 2022 classification, Château Figeac and Château Pavie hold the highest “A” distinction, while several iconic estates, such as Cheval Blanc and Angélus, retain an international reputation beyond the current hierarchy.

The finest Saint-Émilion vintages combine richness of fruit, structure, freshness and ageing potential. Among the most sought-after years are 2022, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2010, 2009, 2005, 2000, 1998, 1990, 1982, 1964 and 1961. With time, the best wines evolve towards notes of truffle, blond tobacco, fine leather, undergrowth, spice and tertiary complexity.

Food pairings with Saint-Émilion

Thanks to their velvety texture, aromatic depth and balance between fruit, structure and freshness, Saint-Émilion wines are natural partners for generous, refined and flavourful cuisine.

Buy Saint-Émilion wines online

World Web Wines offers a selection of Saint-Émilion wines available online with delivery in Switzerland. The range brings together grands crus, emblematic châteaux, sought-after vintages and bottles chosen for their provenance, maturity and genuine tasting interest.

Our selection invites you to explore one of Bordeaux’s most prestigious expressions, shaped by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, limestone terroirs, legendary châteaux and the depth of the Right Bank.