The Libournais

In this region of châteaux so marked by history - it was in Castillon-La-Bataille that the Hundred Years War came to an end in 1453 - the name of Saint-Emilion springs to mind. The vine, introduced by the Romans, has provided the background of the region. This medieval town has, in addition to its reputation for wine, one of the most important architectural heritages in Europe, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage.

Climate / Geography

The fine winegrowing areas of the Libourne region are located near the confluence of the Dordogne and Isle rivers. The vineyards cover a superb natural landscape of hills and plateaux with an attractive mosaic of vines.
Soil composition is complex, though largely clay-limestone in the Saint-Emilion and Fronsac appellations, and gravelly or sandy in Pomerol. The soil encourages vines to dig deep down for nourishment and also makes for excellent ripening It also produces an amazing variety of red wines.

Types of Wine / Grapes

Soil in the Libourne region is ideal for the Merlot grape, which reaches its fullest natural expression there. Merlot accounts for an average of 70% of vines planted in the Saint Emilion, Fronsac and Côtes de Castillon regions, and 80% in Pomerol. Other widely-planted varieties are Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The balance between these three grape varieties gives the wines of this region softness, fruitiness and an excellent ageing potential.

Libournais appellations

Bordeaux Wine Appellations:

Overview

Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur
Côtes
Entre-Deux-Mers
Libournais
Graves
Médoc
Sweet white wines
Detailed wine map

Further information:
www.saint-emilion-tourisme.com