Situation and soil

Saint-Julien is situated at the North of the Margaux district and to the South of Pauillac, about 45 kilometres North-West of Bordeaux downstream the Gironde river. The AOC Saint-Julien has a homogeneous soil of great quality, consisting of silica gravels prolonged by a calcareous plateau with outstanding winegrowing qualities.

Characteristics

Particularly full bodied and elegant, Saint-Julien wines are driven by the smoothness of their flavours as they reach maturity. Saint-Julien wines are often recognized as a transition between the elegance of Margaux and the power of Pauillac. To be appreciated at their best potential, the growths usually require 10 to 15 years of cellaring.

Main properties of the appellation

Eleven Classified Growths are located within in the Saint-Julien area:

• 2e Crus Classés:
  Ducru Beaucaillou, Gruaud Larose, Léoville Barton, Léoville las Cases, Léoville Poyferré
• 3e Cru Classé:
  Lagrange, Langoa Barton
• 4e Crus Classés:
  Beychevelle, Branaire-Ducru, Saint Pierre, Talbot
• Other leading properties:
  La Bridane, Glana, Gloria, Lalande-Borie, Moulin de la Rose, Terrey-Gros-Cailloux

Varietals and technical data (*)

The average production, almost exclusively in red, is of approx. 70,000 hl within a planted surface of 1230 ha.

• Authorized yields: approx. 47 to 66 hl/ha
• Sugar (grams per liter of must): 171 gr minimum
• Base Alcoholic strength: 10% / 13%

Main grape variety:

• - Cabernet-Sauvignon (55%)
• - Merlot (35%)
• - Cabernet-Franc (10%)

(*) Sources:
• Bordeaux and its Wines - Ch. Cocks - Ed. Féret - 17th Edition,
• Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux (CIVB)