Saint-Julien AOC

Overview

Saint-Julien is the smallest of the four great Médoc communal appellations but perhaps the most consistent, producing wines that epitomize the balance between Margaux’s elegance and Pauillac’s power. With no First Growths but an extraordinary concentration of Second Growths and a high proportion of classified properties, Saint-Julien offers remarkable consistency across its châteaux. The appellation’s compact size, homogeneous gravel soils, and exceptional terroir create a benchmark for what balanced, age-worthy claret should be.

Geography & Climate

Location: Haut-Médoc; between Margaux and Pauillac

Size: ~920 ha (smallest of four great communes)

Elevation: 10-25m (33-82 ft)

Climate: Maritime

Growing Degree Days: 1,500-1,700 GDD
Rainfall: 850-950mm
Temperature: Estuary-moderated

Topography: Compact, homogeneous

Two main gravel outcrops
Consistent terroir
Less variation than other communes

Soil Types:

Gravel (dominant; deep)
Sand and clay subsoils

Key Characteristic: Homogeneous gravel = consistent quality commune-wide.

Wine Style

Red (100%)

Character: Balanced, classic, age-worthy

Blackcurrant, cedar
Firm but elegant tannins
Medium to full body
Balance of power and elegance
The “perfect claret”

Saint-Julien Character:

Between Margaux elegance and Pauillac power
Neither extreme dominates
Quintessential Bordeaux balance

Commune Comparison:

Commune	Character
Margaux	Elegant, perfumed
Saint-Julien	Balanced, classic
Pauillac	Powerful, structured
Saint-Estèphe	Sturdy, tannic

1855 Classification

No First Growths (but exceptional quality)

Second Growths (Super-Seconds):

Léoville-Las Cases
Léoville-Poyferré
Léoville-Barton
Ducru-Beaucaillou
Gruaud-Larose

Third Growths: Lagrange, Langoa-Barton

Fourth Growths: Beychevelle, Saint-Pierre, Talbot, Branaire-Ducru

High Classified Percentage: 85% of production from classified growths.

The Léovilles

Three Estates, One Origin

History: Originally one estate; divided in 18th century

Estate	Character
Léoville-Las Cases	Most Pauillac-like; powerful
Léoville-Poyferré	Rich; modern
Léoville-Barton	Classic; traditional

Léoville-Las Cases: Often compared to First Growths; “Super-Second.”

Classification & Regulations

AOC Requirements:

Parameter	Requirement
Varieties	Cab Sauv, Merlot, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot
Yields	Max 45-50 hl/ha
Style	Red only

History

Timeline:

Medieval: Monastery viticulture
17th century: Commercial development
1855: 11 estates classified
1936: AOC established
Today: Benchmark balance commune

Consistency: Saint-Julien reputation for reliability established over centuries.

Key Constraints & Production Notes

Terroir Advantage:

Homogeneous soils
Compact area
Consistent quality
Fewer “off” wines

Winemaking:

Traditional Bordeaux method
French oak (18-24 months)
High standards across commune
Grand Vin selection

Aging Potential:

All classified: 15-30 years
Super-Seconds: 25-50+ years

Notable Producers

Super-Seconds (First Growth quality):

Léoville-Las Cases
Ducru-Beaucaillou

Outstanding Seconds:

Léoville-Poyferré
Léoville-Barton
Gruaud-Larose

Other Excellence:

Beychevelle
Talbot
Lagrange
Branaire-Ducru
Saint-Pierre
Gloria (not classified but quality)

Léoville-Las Cases: Jean-Hubert Delon’s estate; rivals First Growths; “Super-Second” benchmark.

Common Challenges

No First Growths

Cause: 1855 classification.
Risk: Perceived as secondary.
Response: Quality speaks; Super-Seconds rival Firsts.

Relative Obscurity

Cause: Smaller; less marketing.
Risk: Overlooked for Pauillac/Margaux.
Response: Quality consistency; value proposition.

Food Pairing

Classic Matches:

Lamb
Beef
Game
Fine cheeses
Classic French cuisine

References

INAO (2025). “Saint-Julien AOC Cahier des Charges.” Link
Peppercorn, D. (2003). “Bordeaux.” Faber & Faber. WorldCat
Robinson, J., et al. (2006). “The Oxford Companion to Wine.” Oxford University Press. Publisher Link

Last Updated: January 11, 2026
Data Sources: INAO, CIVB
Research Grade: Technical reference

Permitted Varieties