Puisseguin Saint-Émilion Wine Region

Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion is a small region in the Bordeaux region of France, widely regarded for its high-quality, ageable wines. It has very strict laws on what can be sold under the Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion label. Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion wines are always red and most of the grapes used in Bordeaux are grown here, so varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot - though it's mainly Merlot that is used. The region is full of delicious food and wine, that visiting it should be on everyone's list.

Check out the best wine tastings and tours in Puisseguin Saint-Émilion Wine Region

Where is the Puisseguin Saint-Émilion Wine Region

Puisseguin Saint-Émilion wine region is in France, 50 kilometers east of Bordeaux and to the northeast of Saint-Émilion on the right bank of the Dordogne River.

History of Puisseguin Saint-Émilion

Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion is a small wine region in Saint-Emilion. The history of this wine region is intertwined with Saint-Émilion's history, which began in 56 BCE, when the oldest amphorae of wine were found. The wine was made here after Cumbis Forest was cleared for planting vines.

In the year 97 A.D, late Roman Emperor Nerva decreed that a method to make sure the success of the Roman Empire's wines is that they eliminate any competition in their colonies. This decree precluded further expansion in Saint-Émilion until 3 centuries later.

The Saint Emilion winemakers union was founded in 1884, and this encouraged solidarity between wine makers. It also led to promotion of the region's wines. Making it more progressive, this classification has been updated five times since 1955 - in 1969, 1985, 1996, 2006 and 2012. In comparison to the 1885 Bordeaux classifiation, it is modern and updated.

Terrior of Puisseguin Saint-Émilion

The area of Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion is known for its clay and limestone, which facilitate the growths of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The best part about Puisseguin Saint-Émilion is the plateau that has limestone, clay, gravel, sand and iron deposits. The majority of world-famous Puisseguin Saint-Émilion wine comes from estates that are located on this limestone plateau. The soil in the Puisseguin Saint-Émilion region is composed of sandy and clay, creating a hilly terrain. The area is considered high quality and produces wine with a dense and complex taste. This kind of soil helps the grape ripen faster, which means wines will be softer and tastier. This part of the terroir is located at the bottom of the slopes. The soil here is rich in clay-producing wines, which are silky and round with an elegant structure.

Puisseguin Saint-Émilion Characteristics

Traditionally, wines from Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion are made from red grape varieties. Main varieties include Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.Merlot is the most dominant varieties, accounting for 80% of the planted area. This variety ripens early and needs specific conditions like cool and humid as well as soil rich in clay. It ripens well and provides wine with its deep colour, an alcoholic richness, a full texture and a smooth taste. Cabernet Franc is an important element of the region's vineyards and makes up to 15% of the blend at Saint-Émilion. It ripens relatively early, usually within medium time in the season, and can primarily be found in chalky or warmer soil. This wine is aged, with a light spice. It has a cool feeling to it and a tannic structure that gives it an earthy taste. Cabernet Sauvignon is a type of robust red wine and represents about 5% of the winemaking business. It thrives best in warm and dry soil. It gives wine a smoky flavour with aromatic spices, it can be complex and rich while also being favourable to long preservation.

Food to pair with Puisseguin Saint-Émilion

1. Vichyssoise

This thick soup is made with puréed leeks and onions, potatoes, cream, and chicken stock. There's an ongoing debate about where the soup originated and when it started - some say it began in France whereas others are convinced that it started as an American invention. There's some discrepancies in opinion on the source of the soup. One group of food historians says that chef Jules Gouffe created it in 1859, while other believe Louis Diat to be the originator and creator, who was a French chef at the New York Ritz-Carlton. Inspired by the potato and leek soup of his childhood, he named the soup cream vichyssoise glacée after his hometown of Vichy. This dish is a great match for the rich taste of Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion wines.

2. Sole meunière

Sole is lightly coated in plain flour and fried it butter before being doused with lemon juice. This classic French dish is easy to make and the flavors combine fantastically. We usually season fish with salt, black pepper and chopped parsley. Though the dish is usually served with filets, some people like to eat the whole fish, which is then traditionally filleted at the table in front of guests. This dish is traditionally fried in butter, flavoured with lemon juice and flour. In French, meunière refers to the miller’s wife, referring to the fact that flour is used to dust the fish. This traditional French dish rose to worldwide fame when renowned cookbook author Julia Child first mentioned it in her bestselling book. This dish can be accompanied by a glass of Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion wine.

3. Paté de Pâques

Paté de Pâques is a traditional French dish originating in the Poitou-Charentes region. It's a mixture of ground pork, ground veal, and hard-boiled eggs encased in pastry. Traditionally eaten as the first course when celebrating Easter dinner.

What distinguishes this dish from other patés en croûte is the addition of hard-boiled eggs. This makes it a popular dish during Easter time. Once baked, the dish is cut in slices before it's served and should reach your table with pickles and salad on the side. Paté de Pâques pairs well with Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion wines.

Places to visit near Puisseguin Saint-Émilion

1. La Sauve Majeure abbaye

Grande-Sauve Abbey is a former Benedictine monastery in the present village of La Sauve. It's located in what was once an area heavily forested with trees. Although it has been in ruins for some time now, it is worth visiting the Abbey for its Romanesque architecture. There are still several sculpted capitals to be admired there. The abbey ruins have been inscribed into the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes the pilgrimage route to St. James of Compostela.

2. Jardins de Sardy

Jardins de Sardy is located in Montaigne, halfway between Saint-Emilion and Bergerac. The garden is open throughout the entire month of May each year. It is a certified "Remarkable Garden," dating back to 2004. In the heart of the Dordogne Valley, abandoned by its occupiers after being conquered, a fortress stands proud. From its high lookout point, Sardy Gardens lie beneath you and are flanked by an old building which bears witness to a history dating back to medieval times. Sensational in 17th-century Italian style, it has been beautifully restored. You'll be able to find out about historic gardens like the Medici Garden and Jardin des Plantes. All of these gardens will offer a range of different experiences, sights and scents!

3. Église Notre-Dame

Église Notre-Dame is a church located in the city of Calais in the Pas-de-Calais department. It was built in the 12th century and is mostly 13th century because it is the only perpendicular style church in France. Many of the royals in France and England used to pray in this church. John Bourchier, 2nd Baron Berners is also buried here.

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Puisseguin Saint-Émilion Wine Region