TERROIR PROFILE

Saint-Estèphe

Clay-gravel terroir, robust

Saint-Estèphe: the iron north — Médoc with soil under its fingernails.

WarmthSunDrynessMineralityBodyFreshness

TERROIR PROFILE · Bordeaux

Saint-Estèphe Clay-gravel terroir, robust

Saint-Estèphe: the iron north — Médoc with soil under its fingernails.

MaritimeSlope: gentleCabernet SauvignonMerlot
What is terroir?

SOILS

Gravel / Sandlight, approachable

Gravel and sand drain heavily — vines struggle for water, wines turn fine, light and elegant.

Loambody-rich, velvety

Loamy soils give wines volume and a soft, velvety mouthfeel.

Limestoneprecise, mineral

Limestone delivers tension, structure and a cooler, more mineral character.

CLIMATE · Maritime

Northernmost great commune, closest to the estuary — slightly cooler and damper; the clay content helps in hot years.

TOPOGRAPHY · gentle

Gravel knolls over heavy clay and limestone banks, slightly more rolling than the south.

WHAT IT MEANS IN THE GLASS

dark fruitearthy & robustfirm rustic tanninneeds timeindestructible

Similar terroirs worldwide

Computed from fingerprint similarity

Pomerol

Bordeaux

96% similar

  • Warmth (slightly): Saint-Estèphe is cooler → tauter fruit, leaner wines, more acidity (5 vs. 6).

Saint-Julien

Bordeaux

94% similar

  • Warmth (slightly): Saint-Estèphe is cooler → tauter fruit, leaner wines, more acidity (5 vs. 6).
  • Dryness (slightly): Saint-Estèphe is wetter → juicier, softer, more plushness (5 vs. 6).

Médoc & Haut-Médoc

Bordeaux

94% similar

  • Minerality (slightly): Saint-Estèphe is more mineral → salty-stony notes, more tension (7 vs. 6).
  • Body (slightly): Saint-Estèphe gives more body → fuller, more powerful wines (9 vs. 8).

This terroir's soils in the glossary