Established in 1936, the Saint-Georges-Saint-Émilion AOC label can be applied to red wines produced within the village from plots planted to a density of no greater than five-thousand-five-hundred plants per hectare. Like all of the satellite appellations, the vineyards here are dominated by the Merlot grape, with the principal right bank variety accounting for around three quarters of the appellation’s almost two-hundred hectares. Cabernet Franc (often referred to by the alias, Bouchet) and Cabernet Sauvignon comprise the vast majority of the remaining quarter, with Malbec also planted by some growers. The resultant wines are usually a blend of the top three grapes.
With a terroir not dissimilar to its prestigious parent appellation, most of Saint-Georges’ vineyards lie to the south of the village on fairly steep, free draining slopes of clay and limestone. Some plots occupy elevated sites up to ninety metres.
Given that production rules are the same for both appellations, and that the tiny village of Saint-Georges also falls under the geographic bounds of Montagne-Saint-Émilion AOC, producers here can choose to apply either label to their wines.
