Saint-Julien

Home to the largest classified growth in the Left Bank, Saint Julien is the smallest of the four famous communes (St-Estèphe, Pauillac, St-Julien, and Margaux) that make up Bordeaux's Haut-Médoc region. Although small in area, Saint Julien is the appellation that makes up for the high concentrations of exceptional wines produced in such a tiny area. St Julien may not be as tightly packed with vineyards and châteaux as the other towns, but it does have a large number of wineries ranging in price and quality. The commune has a population of fewer than 800 people, and the vast majority of them are likely to be involved in the wine industry in some way.

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

Where is Saint-Julien is Located?

The appellation of Saint-Julien is situated in the heart of the Médoc vineyards, 45 kilometers from Bordeaux, bordering the Gironde estuary with only 910 hectares of vines. Sandwiched between the more well-known appellations of Pauillac and Margaux, it is the smallest of the major appellations in Haut- Médoc that produce a myriad of different styles of Bordeaux wines by blending the elegance of Margaux with the power of Pauillac.

Historical Backgtround of Saint-Julien

Saint-Julien, a village built in the seventh century as Saint-Julien De Rinhac (or Rignac), the name given to the territory located along the Gironde, in the church. Saint-Julien was a parish and administrative town known as "Saint-Julien-Medoc" at the time.
In the 17th century, Saint Julien rose to prominence as a producer of Bordeaux wine. The entire territory of the Medoc was being discovered, colonized, and planted by affluent aristocrats and nobles at the time St. Julien was blossoming as a major Bordeaux wine-producing appellation on the Left Bank.

The new landowners began creating significant showpiece chateaux around the region at the same time they were creating the famous vineyards we recognize today. Many of the old Saint Julien properties can still be seen within the appellation: huge estates dominate around the two villages of Beychevelle and Saint-Julien, accounting for more than four-fifths of the total vineyard surface.

Terroir of Saint-Julien

Located on the other bank of the Juillac stream from Pauillac, just downstream of the Gironde from the Médoc, Saint Julien has the most homogenous terroirs of all the Medoc’s community appellations. In a region known for strong reds, Saint Julien wines strike the perfect blend of elegance and force. The area is poised to produce great wines thanks to skilled producers and ideal soil. The soils of the Garonne's ridges are made up of ancient Quaternary gravel with a siliceous core. The top layer of gravel on clay and limestone soil with large rocks soil type in Saint-Julien-Beychevelle is ideal for grape growing since it has excellent natural drainage.
The alluvial deposits are especially highly fractured into early Quaternary Garonne gravel outcrops, keeping the vines safe from any standing water.

While all five primary Bordeaux grape varietals are planted in Saint Julien, as in the rest of the Medoc, Cabernet Sauvignon reigns supreme, followed by Merlot, which serves as a vital and required supporter. Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec are also planted in smaller quantities.

What to expect from Saint-Julien Wines

Saint Julien, France, has established itself as a remarkable place despite being a small appellation with only 910 grapes under cultivation. With all of the conventional elements, Saint Julien is a perfect expression of Bordeaux terroir. The wines, which are similar in many aspects to Pauillac wines, highlight the best left-bank wines.

Saint-Julien wines are renowned for their unparalleled style: notably harmonious and elegant, having a fine deep color and combining the fineness of their aromas with a solid structure. They are a full-bodied wine with depth, and a delightful, subtle scent.

In the appellation of St. Julien, there is something for every Bordeaux wine lover. The St. Julien wines are powerful and luxurious on the palate with very fine, velvety tannins. With notes of blueberry, blackcurrant, blackberry, plum, tobacco, and licorice on the nose, they're powerful and complex. 

Food to Pair with Saint-Julien wine

1. Roasted Lamb with Saint-Julien wine

The St Julien wines and the roasted lamb are a perfect match, making it one of the classic pairings. Place the lamb in a roasting tray and grate some lemon zest over it, massaging it in. Season with salt and pepper and a light drizzle of oil. Fill the tray halfway with wine and stock and place the lamb on top. Open a bottle of the red wines of St Julien to indulge in the delicious lamb and enjoy the flavor of the classic dish. The red wines of St Julien go well with rich buttery, juicy, and tender meat with the flavor of garlic, parsley, and rosemary.

2. Mushroom

The wines of St Julien go perfectly with the meat items but pairing it with earthy flavors like mushroom and truffles also gives you the enhanced flavor adding a kick to your palate. Cremini mushrooms tossed in butter, red wine, and garlic make for a simple and excellent side dish. A delicious accompaniment to a tender steak!

3. Grilled Ribs

What would be a better pairing for grilled ribs than the aged Cabernet Sauvignon wines from St Julien? Cabernet Sauvignon is robust and fruity, with cassis and black cherry flavors that complement the savory and meaty rib flavors perfectly. The tannin in Cabernet Sauvignon enhances the flavor of the ribs by breaking down the protein molecules in the meat, making the ribs flesh softer. The ribs will also enhance the flavor of the Cabernet Sauvignon, since the protein and fat content will make the tannins less astringent, giving the wine a silky and velvety texture. 

Places to Visit near Saint Julien

1. Pauillac

Pauillac is a small town just 4km from Saint Julien, in the Gironde estuary which is renowned for its beautiful wine chateaux. The town of Pauillac consists of a few docks at the water's edge, a broad 'boulevard' with a number of cafes close behind it, and then the main town up the hill behind that. Pauillac is a picturesque village with places of interest for all. The big 19th-century Church of Saint-Martin, a 19th-century market hall, and a significant monument to those who perished in the town following the WWII bombardment of Pauillac are all worth seeing in the town.

2. Blaye

Located on the eastern side of the Gironde estuary, Blaye is a small town with a long history of military and strategic importance. It is famous for its Citadel, the core fortified area of a town, together with the Fort Paté and the Fort Médoc, and the red wine produced in the surrounding region. Moreover, a tour around this beautiful place with medieval castles and chateaus will let you discover and taste the elegant wines of the Medoc.

3. Vertheuil

The Augustinian abbey of Vertheuil, which dates from the 12th century but was considerably renovated in the 18th century, dominates the village's center. This small picturesque village is home to Vertheuil Abbey, one of the Medoc's best architectural highlights, and the ruins of a medieval castle.

Interesting Facts about Saint-Julien

Saint-Julien does not have a first growth, but it does contain 11 other classed growth estates, including 5-second growths. Despite that, St Julien is often regarded as the most consistent of the major communes, with a number of châteaux consistently producing outstanding wines year after year. It is an appellation with the greatest ratio of classified terroir in Bordeaux since the region is such an amazing representation. The soil type is fairly diverse with clay, gravel, limestones, and rocks, considering its proximity to the Gironde River. This soil's diversity and quality are reflected in the wines, which are among Bordeaux's most prestigious.

Frequently Asked Questions about Saint-Julien