Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC

Technical Summary

• Classification: AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée)
• EU Registration: Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)
• Geographic scope: Saint-Émilion commune and 8 satellite communes
• Wine type: Dry red still wine only
• Grape dominance: Merlot-based (typically 60-90%+)
• Classification system: Unique revisable classification (unlike 1855 Médoc)

Regulatory Constraints (Verified)

Appellation Hierarchy

Level	Description
Saint-Émilion AOC	Base appellation
Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC	Higher standards (yield, aging)
Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé	Classified estates (revised periodically)
Premier Grand Cru Classé B	Top tier B
Premier Grand Cru Classé A	Highest tier

Ampelographic Composition

• Merlot: Dominant variety (not mandated but typical ~70%)
• Cabernet Franc (locally Bouchet): Secondary (~25% typical)
• Cabernet Sauvignon: Minor (~5% typical)
• Malbec, Carmenère: Permitted but rare
• Source: Cahier des Charges, Art. 5

Geographic Delimitation

• Core: Saint-Émilion commune
• Satellite communes: 8 surrounding communes
• Terroir zones: Limestone plateau (calcaire), côtes (slopes), graves (gravel), sables (sandy plains)
• Source: Cahier des Charges, Art. 3

Yield Limits

Appellation	Maximum Yield
Saint-Émilion	50 hl/ha
Saint-Émilion Grand Cru	46 hl/ha

• Source: Cahier des Charges, Art. 7

Aging Requirements

Appellation	Minimum Aging
Saint-Émilion	None specified
Saint-Émilion Grand Cru	12 months (including oak)

• Source: Cahier des Charges, Art. 8

Minimum Alcohol

Appellation	Minimum Alcohol
Saint-Émilion	10.5% vol
Saint-Émilion Grand Cru	11.0% vol

• Source: Cahier des Charges, Art. 8

Classification System (Unique Feature)

• Frequency: Revised approximately every 10 years (unlike fixed 1855 Médoc classification)
• Latest classification: 2022 (subject to legal challenges)
• Criteria: Includes blind tasting, estate visit, terroir assessment, market reputation
• Opt-out provision: Properties may choose not to participate
• Source: INAO classification rules

Enological Implications

Evidence-Backed Implications

Merlot dominance:

• Right Bank clay-limestone terroir favors earlier-ripening Merlot
• Lower tannin, softer profile than Left Bank Cabernet-dominant wines
• Earlier drinking potential compared to Médoc

12-month aging requirement (Grand Cru):

• Oak aging standard but not specified duration
• Economic impact of inventory holding
• Quality differentiation from base Saint-Émilion

Revisable classification impact:

• Incentivizes continuous quality improvement
• Classification upgrades/downgrades affect market value significantly
• Recent (2022) classification controversies demonstrate system tensions

Operational Observations

Terroir zone variations:

• Plateau (calcaire): structured, age-worthy (Ausone, Pavie type)
• Graves: gravel soils, Médoc-like character
• Côtes: slopes, varied exposure
• Selection and blending across terroirs common

Grand Cru vs. Grand Cru Classé distinction:

• Grand Cru is production standard anyone can meet
• Grand Cru Classé is quality classification (limited properties)
• Consumer confusion common

Frequent Compliance Risks

Grand Cru Aging Shortfall

• Risk: Release before 12-month aging completed
• Impact: Must be sold as Saint-Émilion AOC (not Grand Cru)
• Mitigation: Aging documentation; release date controls

Yield Exceedance

• Risk: Grand Cru exceeding 46 hl/ha
• Impact: Declassification to base AOC or excess removal
• Mitigation: Green harvest; yield monitoring

Classification Status Claims

• Risk: Claiming “Grand Cru Classé” without valid classification
• Impact: Labeling fraud
• Mitigation: Verify current classification status

Relevant Grape Varieties

• Merlot — dominant variety
• Cabernet Sauvignon — minor component

References

1. Cahier des Charges AOC Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

   • INAO
   • URL: https://www.inao.gouv.fr/

2. Conseil des Vins de Saint-Émilion

   • URL: https://www.vins-saint-emilion.com/

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Last Updated: January 6, 2026