Montagne Saint Emilion

Six satellite villages that once sold their wines under the Saint Émilion AOC surround Saint Émilion.  Of these villages, four now add Saint Émilion to their names to form the Saint Émilion satellites.  They are separated from Saint Émilion by the creek like Barbanne River, an ancient frontier between those in the south who spoke the Langue d’Oc and those in the north who spoke the Langue d’Oil. Wines from these lesser-known regions produce some interesting wines at a fraction of the cost of their more famous neighbours.

Montagne Saint Émilion is the largest of the satellite appellations and one where winegrowers have been inspired by their highly regarded neighbours to improve their vines and the quality of their wines. Most vineyards have south and southwest exposures and limestone and clay-limestone soils. Merlot and Cabernet Franc tannins contribute to the elegant full-bodied structure of Montagne-Saint Émilion wines.