Wine Tourism
Saint-Émilion
Grand Cru Classé
Château
Rochebelle
A Unique Story at the Heart of Our Region.
Saint Émilion
Saint-Émilion (in Gascon: Sent Milion) is a commune in the South-West of France, located in the Gironde department in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
A picturesque village, classified by UNESCO, you will discover a citadel that has managed to preserve all its authenticity through the centuries. Old stones and steep alleys will enchant you at every turn.
An Experience
«During your stay in Saint-Émilion, a UNESCO World Heritage site, we recommend visiting the must-see wine tourism destination of Château Rochebelle.
From the moment you arrive, Rochebelle is a true favorite. The Faniest family invites you to discover this authentic family gem, rooted for five generations on the high limestone plateau of Saint-Émilion.
The monolithic cellars, enhanced by stunning light displays, and the breathtaking view of the Dordogne Valley reveal the full magic of the estate.
A family of winemakers who work every day in the vineyard and cellar to shape the style of this Grand Cru Classé in its finest expression of terroir wine.»
At the Heart of a Tradition
A unique terroir in the world
Here, time stands still, seize it!
Wouldn’t we love wine so much that the discovery of the monolithic cellars of Rochebelle, dating back to the 18th century, is enough to bring joy to everyone.
In any case, humans have found shelter here, once a place of hard labor for the extraction of stone, hence the name Rochebelle.
Today, wine lovers find the perfect setting for their curiosity. No cave paintings here, but a harmonious arrangement of new barrels, replaced every year without fail, and in a dim light encouraging contemplation, rest the bottles that make up the treasure of Rochebelle.
A constant temperature of 13°C and a humidity level of 85% thus help preserve old vintages in an unparalleled setting.
Discovery of an Appellation
This appellation is not defined by a specific terroir or even a specific grape variety. While its area overlaps with that of Saint-Émilion, only the best wines are granted the Grand Cru appellation: most come from the edge of the limestone plateau and the clay-limestone slope. They must be bottled on the property and undergo a double tasting. The Grand Cru classification, established in 1955, is unique because it is reviewed every ten years. It distinguishes two categories of crus: the first growths (A and B) and the classified growths. Two châteaux belong to the first group: Ausone and Cheval-Blanc. Thirteen are classified as first growths B, and fifty-seven are classified growths. These latter represent just over 12% of the AOC production, with the thirteen first growths representing less than 3%.
(cf Guide Hachette des vins)
Secret of a Terroir
All around the town, the limestone plateau and the clay-limestone slope (from which many classified growths come) produce wines with a beautiful color, full-bodied and structured.
The majority of the appellation is represented by sandy alluvial soils descending towards the Dordogne, which produce good wines. As for the grape varieties, Merlot predominates, complemented by Cabernet Franc, called Bouchet in this region, and, to a lesser extent, Cabernet Sauvignon.
The Saint-Émilion appellation can be claimed by all wines produced in the commune of Saint-Émilion and in eight surrounding villages, which succeeded the parishes once dependent on the Jurade, the former medieval jurisdiction: Saint-Étienne de Lisse, Saint-Hippolyte, Saint-Laurent-des-Combes, Saint-Pey d’Armens, Saint-Christophe des Bardes, Saint-Sulpice de Faleyrens, and Vignonet.
Contact Us
+33 (0)5 57 51 30 71
contact(@)oenotourismestemilion.com