TERROIR PROFILE
Saint-Émilion
Limestone-plateau Merlot
Saint-Émilion: Merlot on limestone — velvet with a mineral spine.
TERROIR PROFILE · Bordeaux
Saint-Émilion Limestone-plateau Merlot
Saint-Émilion: Merlot on limestone — velvet with a mineral spine.
SOILS
Limestoneprecise, mineral
Limestone delivers tension, structure and a cooler, more mineral character.
Loambody-rich, velvety
Loamy soils give wines volume and a soft, velvety mouthfeel.
Gravel / Sandlight, approachable
Gravel and sand drain heavily — vines struggle for water, wines turn fine, light and elegant.
CLIMATE · Maritime
Slightly more continental than the left bank — farther from the ocean, warmer late summer; Merlot ripens safely, Cabernet Franc shines.
TOPOGRAPHY · mixed
Asteriated limestone plateau around the UNESCO town, steep southern côtes, a gravel tongue on the Pomerol border.
WHAT IT MEANS IN THE GLASS
Similar terroirs worldwide
Computed from fingerprint similarity
Stromberg-Zabergäu
Württemberg
94% similar
- Warmth (slightly): Saint-Émilion is warmer → riper fruit, more alcohol, softer acidity (7 vs. 6).
- Body (slightly): Saint-Émilion gives more body → fuller, more powerful wines (9 vs. 8).
Barolo
Piedmont
94% similar
- Warmth (slightly): Saint-Émilion is warmer → riper fruit, more alcohol, softer acidity (7 vs. 6).
- Freshness (slightly): Saint-Émilion has less freshness → gentler acidity, earlier drinking (6 vs. 7).
Wineries on this terroir
See all 171 →Château Ausone
Saint-Émilion
Renown 93/100
Château Cheval Blanc
Saint-Émilion
Renown 93/100
Château Figeac
Saint-Émilion
Renown 91/100
Château Angélus
Saint-Émilion
Renown 91/100
Château Pavie
Saint-Émilion
Renown 91/100
Château TrotteVieille
Saint-Émilion
Renown 86/100
Château Valandraud
Saint-Étienne-de-Lisse
Renown 85/100
Clos Fourtet
Saint-Émilion
Renown 85/100
This terroir's soils in the glossary