The village of Montagne lies opposite the Saint-Emilion Appellation and shares its major characteristics. Less well known, its wines are wonderfully surprising. They are elegant, full-bodied and distinguished.
Montage-Saint-Emilion also has a rich and turbulent history, as attested to by its monuments and other Roman vestiges. The barbarian invasions that followed put winegrowing on hold until it returned to prosperity in the Middle Ages.
More recently, Montagne winegrowers have taken advantage of Saint-Emilion's proximity to improve their vines and the quality of their wines. This Appellation has become a rising star in the region.
Its weather is almost identical to its neighbour's Saint-Emilion, separated from Montagne by only a small stream, the Barbanne.
The terroir consists of limestone and clay limestone soils on a thick and compact layer of porous asteriated limestone, which, by providing water to the vines during the summer dry period, plays an essential nutritional role. The more gravel and sandy soils produce results that are lighter, more delicate and less tannic than the areas with limestone.
The Appellation's blend generally consists of Merlot (60% of vines planted) and Cabernet Franc (30%).
Cabernet Sauvignon, which is more difficult to cultivate due to its late ripening, is reserved for the "warmest" and best-exposed fields.
Montagne-Saint-Emilion wines are elegant, full-bodied and always distinguished. They are generally robust with wonderful Merlot and Cabernet Franc tannins contributing to their structure
Intense aromas of red berries, undergrowth and cherry are joined by, blackberries and liquorice to balance the power of these wines.
Average yearly production: 69 958 hl
Surface declared (2009): 1 454 ha
Visit the Montagne-Saint-Emilion AOC’s web site.
