Discover wines from the hills just outside the historic centre of Saint Émilion. The Satellites of Saint Émilion offer similar grape varieties, climate and soil as those of Saint Émilion. The wines from our producers can match the quality of their more expensive neighbours, but with a lower price tag. The value for money offered by these wines makes it worth seeking them out.
DiscoverVin have sourced wine from two Saint Émilion satellite appellations:
1. AOC Lussac-Saint Émilion
Next door to Saint Émilion, with blends typical of Saint Émilion, Lussac-Saint Émilion produces quality fruit driven wines. The wines are similar in style to those from Saint Émilion, refined, velvety and complex. Merlot dominates, but Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec can also be included in blends.
Lussac-Saint Émilion’s history dates to Roman times. Its terroir reflects the diversity of the soils in the plateaus, hillsides and valleys of the region.
Chateau La Fleur Poitou, 2010 Website Price $25.00 per bottle
The 2010 vintage from Château La Fleur Poitou is a lovely expressive Merlot blend from an outstanding vintage.
Drinking well now with great fruit, but will repay several years in the cellar.
The Wine
Merlot (60%) Cabernet Franc (30%) Cabernet Sauvignon (10%)
A garnet red colour, almost black with purple hints. A concentrated nose well ripened black fruit: blackcurrant, blackberry, plum and cherry. The fruit flavour follows through on the palate with fleshy, round velvety tannins. Lovely balance, aromatic and good persistence.
2. AOC Montagne-Saint Émilion
Montagne-Saint Émilion is the largest of the satellite appellations. It is one where winegrowers have been inspired by their highly regarded neighbours to improve their vines and the quality of their wines. Most vineyards have good terroir with southerly aspects and a variety of good soil types.
Merlot and Cabernet Franc tannins contribute to the elegant full-bodied structure of Montagne-Saint Émilion wines. The wines are generally robust with wonderful Merlot and Cabernet Franc tannins contributing to their structure.
Château Le Croix Bonneau, 2008
Website Price: $35.00 per bottle
The 2008 vintage from Château Le Croix Bonneau was one of only a few wines from this vintage to receive two stars in the French wine guide, Le Guide Hachette, 2012. New owners have renewed the vineyard. They use techniques such as disbudding and “vendage verte” or a green harvest (leaf stripping) to maximize fruit ripening. Minimal use of chemicals and hand picking and sorting are elements of the quality-orientated approach at Le Croix Bonneau. Michel Rolland, a renowned Bordeaux oenologist, consults to the winemaking team at the château.
The Wine
Merlot (95%) Cabernet Franc (5%)
This is a wine with pleasant aromas of black fruit (blackberries, black currant) and subtle roasted notes (grilled and smoky). There is lovely rich fruit and fine chalky tannins.
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