Sub-region
Saint Julien AOC is a Médoc appellation on the Left Bank of Bordeaux, situated between Pauillac to the north and Margaux to the south. It is known for red wines based primarily on Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, combining structure and longevity with a notable sense of balance and consistency across the appellation.
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Saint-Julien AOC is one the key left bank appellations of Bordeaux. Structured and robust with ample perfume and deep concentrated berry fruit, it's widely regarded as the classic claret; stylistically it captures the elegance of Margaux, the power of Pauillac and the rich black fruit of fragrance of Saint Estèphe. It sits on two plateaus between the commune of Pauillac to the north and Margaux to the south, along the left bank of the Girdonde estuary. The soils here are fairly similar throughout Saint-Julien AOC, mainly gravelly sitting on an under bed of limestone. Most of the wines here are 70% Cabernet Sauvignon with between 20% and 30% Merlot. Some estates will add a touch of Cabernet Franc to the blend. Like everywhere in Bordeaux, the top classified châteaux always demand and receive more attention than the huge number of properties that do not have the luxury of such a prestigious history. There are a number of Cru Borgoise châteaux that are well worth looking at and are indeed excellent ambassadors for Saint Julien as a terroir. Château Gloria is one such example.
