2022 St. Émilion Classification: A Sommelier's Guide
The 2022 update to the St. Émilion Classification significantly reshapes this prestigious wine landscape. This guide offers a detailed look at the latest classification, spotlighting each esteemed producer within the St. Émilion region. From the elite Premier Grand Cru Classé A estates to the extensive list of Grands Crus Classés, we provide a clear, concise understanding of the changes and continuities in this renowned classification. This essential overview is crafted to assist sommeliers and wine enthusiasts in navigating the complexities and nuances of St. Émilion's most recent classification, enriching their knowledge and appreciation of this historic wine region.
2022: St. Émilion Revisions
The 2022 St. Émilion Classification significantly shifted the region's prestigious wine ranking system. Notably, the classification promoted Château Figeac to the elite Premier Grand Cru Classé A status, joining Château Pavie at this top tier. Meanwhile, notable estates like Angélus, Ausone, and Cheval Blanc opted out of the classification, citing disagreements with the criteria and process. This departure sparked discussions on the nature and future of wine classifications.
Additionally, the classification welcomed several new estates to the Grands Crus Classés category, reflecting the evolving landscape of wine production in St. Émilion. The changes underscore the dynamic nature of the wine industry, where tradition interacts with contemporary standards and market realities.
Château Figeac
Château Figeac, now recognized as a Premier Grand Cru Classé A estate in the 2022 St. Émilion Classification, showcases a distinctive winemaking approach. Spanning 40 hectares, its vineyards have a higher proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon (around 35%) and Cabernet Franc (around 35%), alongside Merlot (about 30%), which is atypical for the region predominantly known for Merlot. The estate's unique terroir features gravel-rich soil, contributing to the elegant and structured style of its wines. The winemaking process is marked by meticulous vineyard management, focusing on sustainability and preserving the grape's natural characteristics.
The use of new oak in aging is balanced, ensuring the expression of the wine's fruit and terroir remains paramount. This technical finesse and commitment to quality were key factors in Figeac's elevation in the latest classification, affirming its status as one of St. Émilion's most distinguished and innovative producers.
Château Pavie
Château Pavie, a prominent Premier Grand Cru Classé A estate in St. Émilion, is celebrated for its exceptional winemaking. Occupying 37 hectares, the vineyard's limestone and clay soils are integral to the character of its wines. Dominated by Merlot, with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, Pavie's wines are known for their richness and complexity. Under Gérard Perse, the estate has seen significant modernization, reinforcing its status as a key player in St. Émilion's wine legacy. Pavie's approach combines traditional practices with innovative techniques, ensuring each vintage reflects its prestigious terroir.
The 12 Premier Grands Crus Classés (B) are:
Château Beau-Séjour Bécot, a renowned Grand Cru Classé estate in St. Émilion, is celebrated for its exquisite wines. Located on the limestone plateau of St. Émilion, the estate's vineyards predominantly grow Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Château Beauséjour Héritiers Duffau-Lagarrosse is a distinguished Grand Cru Classé estate situated in the St. Émilion region. Known for its rich history and exceptional terroir, the estate boasts vineyards primarily planted with Merlot, with a smaller proportion of Cabernet Franc. This blend results in wines that are deeply flavored, structured, and have a notable capacity for aging.
Château Canon, located in Saint-Émilion, has a storied history dating back to the 1700s when it was part of the Clos Saint Martin vineyards. Purchased in 1760 by Jacques Kanon, the estate was initially only 13 hectares. The vineyard expanded over time and, in 1853, officially adopted the name Château Canon. The vineyard area now extends to 21.5 hectares, planted with 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc. Château Canon is known for producing around 7,500 cases annually of its Grand Vin and also offers a second wine, Clos de Canon.
Château Bélair-Monange, a Premier Grand Cru Classé estate in Saint-Émilion, has a rich history and a strong reputation for quality wines. The estate, situated at Saint-Émilion’s highest point on a limestone plateau, has long been considered one of the region's best crus. The vineyard, predominantly planted with Merlot and a smaller proportion of Cabernet Franc, covers around 26 hectares. The estate traces its origins back to Roman times and was known for its exceptional wine as early as the 17th century. In 2008, Établissements Jean-Pierre Moueix acquired the property and renamed it in memory of Anne-Adèle Monange, the mother of Jean Moueix, while undertaking extensive renovations to restore the estate to its historic prominence.
Château Larcis Ducasse
Established in the 17th century, it has been owned by the Gratiot-Attmane family since 1893.
Managed by the duo Nicols Thienpont and David Suire, advised by oenologists Stéphane Derenoncourt and Julien Lavenu.
12 hectares of vineyards planted on three distinct terroirs: clay-limestone plateau, colluvial clay-limestone soils on the hillside, and clay-silt terraces facing south.
Grape varieties: 85% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc.
Wines aged for 16-18 months in French oak barrels (70% new).
Produces a second wine, Murmure de Larcis Ducasse.
Known for its seductive, complex, and velvety wines with a unique character.
Château Pavie Macquin:
Premier Grand Cru Classé A, owned by Gérard Perse.
37 hectares on the limestone plateau.
70% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Aged 18-24 months in French oak (100% new).
Known for powerful, rich, structured wines with aging potential.
Château Troplong Mondot:
Premier Grand Cru Classé, owned by Corinne de Boüard de Laforest.
9 hectares on south-facing slopes.
90% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Aged 18-24 months in French oak (80% new).
Known for elegant, balanced, expressive wines with fruit purity.
Château Trottevieille:
Premier Grand Cru Classé, owned by Lapalu family.
5 hectares on east-facing slopes.
80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc.
Aged 18-24 months in French oak (50% new).
Known for charming, velvety, harmonious wines with minerality.
Château Valandraud:
Premier Grand Cru Classé, founded by Jean-Luc Thunevin in 1994.
10 hectares on the clay-limestone plateau.
80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc.
Aged 18-24 months in French oak (100% new).
Known for modern, intense, concentrated wines with a focus on terroir.
Clos Fourtet:
Premier Grand Cru Classé, owned by the Fournier family since 1864.
11 hectares on east-facing slopes.
80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc.
Aged 18-24 months in French oak (50% new).
Known for elegant, refined, balanced wines with long finish.
La Mondotte:
Grand Cru Classé, owned by the Bouygues family since 1999.
1 hectare on the limestone plateau.
100% Merlot.
Aged 18-24 months in French oak (100% new).
Known for concentrated, intense, structured wines with exceptional quality.
Château Canon-la-Gaffelière
An unusual grape blend for the appellation: 55% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.
The soil and grape blend contribute to elegant, well-structured, complex, pure, and always elegant wines.
Certified organic.
Wines age for 18 months in French oak barrels (60% new).
Known for its balance of elegance and power, with aromatic complexity from both Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
