Montagne-Saint-Émilion, positive altitude
Perched atop the highest point in the Libourne region, Montagne-Saint-Emilion is a land of contrasts which knows how to hit the high notes. So it should come as no surprise that the intense, vivacious, indulgent reds produced here are among the finest Bordeaux wines.
What is the Montagne-Saint-Emilion wine region?
Key points to remember
- 1,570 hectares, 191 winegrowers and a patchwork of primarily family-owned estates.
- Vines rooted in the Right Bank of the River Barbanne, surrounded by illustrious neighbors (Pomerol and Saint-Emilion). These famous appellations have a lot in common with Montagne-Saint-Emilion, sharing the same values and terroirs.
- A series of valleys, hillsides and plateaux (including one vast limestone plateau which has become the emblem of the appellation). Two major terroirs produce a broad array of wines: the first is dominated by clay-limestone, the second by gravel. But don’t worry, we’ll come back to this later…
Why do people love Montagne-Saint-Emilion and its wines?
- Because the seemingly infinite complexity of these wines is no coincidence: the winegrowers here are masters when it comes to juggling different terroirs and grape varieties.
- Because the winemakers tend their soils with passion, and that passion is often passed down from generation to generation within the same family.
- Because they are looking after the future of our planet as well as the future of their vines, with sustainable viticultural practices.
- Because they love welcoming newcomers into their world: here you have the opportunity to meet the winemakers, visit the estates and explore the cellars!
- Because they also know how to serve up some more unusual and unexpected wine experiences, for a visit you’ll never forget.
- Because Montagne’s Maison des Vins is THE place to taste the appellation’s finest wines, in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
What is the
Montagne-Saint-Émilion style?
Montagne-Saint-Emilion produces characterful wines with bold tannins, invigorating freshness and undeniable elegance. A real balancing act.
Simply swirl your glass to unleash a whirlwind of aromas
Beneath a ruby-red color, occasionally shot through with darker hues, Montagne reveals an intense bouquet of red berry aromas, accented with hints of undergrowth, licorice and even game. A spell of aging in oak barrels sometimes adds a dash of roasted coffee beans, or even chocolate.
On the palate, what really stands out is the all-round elegance: well-structured yet elegant, with bold yet silky tannins. These are complex, full-bodied wines that awaken the senses. Treading a fine line between fruit and spice, they also know how to make an exit, building to an incredibly fresh and long-lasting finale that never fails to impress.
And to cap it all off, these wines dazzle in their youth but will also reward those with the patience to cellar them for a few years.
Which kind of wines can be found in Montagne-Saint-Emilion?
As you may have guessed by now… red wines!
Around these parts, Merlot is king. Fortunately, this king is renowned for his generosity, abundant fruit and smooth, round texture. The king also keeps good company, including Cabernet Sauvignon with its charming intensity and subtle acidity, and Malbec with its imposing tannins and inimitable freshness. Not forgetting Cabernet Franc, whose lovely structure makes for age-worthy wines, and Petit Verdot, a demanding variety which is nevertheless irresistibly fresh and spicy.
See also Grape varieties
Funfacts
Three fun facts you need to know about Montagne-Saint-Emilion
So you think you know everything about this appellation? Think again…
1.
The appellation owes its name to the famous slopes of the village of Montagne with the Latin word montis meaning hill. And take it from us, the view of the hills and valleys from the village is well worth a visit.
2.
Around here, limestone rules the roost. Since the 14th century, local quarries have supplied the stone which defined the architectural identity of the whole Aquitaine region. In other words, this is a terroir that is deep-down stylish.
3.
In 2025, Montagne-Saint-Emilion teamed up with actress Valérie Bonneton to release a very special cuvée in support of the ‘Un cadeau pour la vie’ charity program. Sharing is caring!
Let’s talk about the soil
Montagne-Saint-Emilion actually comprises two main terroirs. On the one hand you have clay-limestone hillsides which the vines simply love: they have the advantage of naturally regulating the water supply to perfection, through heatwaves and downpours alike. They also account for the wines’ sturdy structure. On the other hand, the gravellier soils add a touch of finesse. In this appellation, the five grape varieties are spoilt for choice – and they all get their chance to shine!
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Ce sont aussi eux qui apportent aux vins du coin structure et robustesse. D’autre part, les sols plus graveleux ne sont pas en reste avec leur signature pleine de finesse. Bref, les cinq cépages de l’AOP ont le choix parmi toutes ces terres pour révéler le meilleur d’eux même !
Let’s travel back in time
The village of Montagne, the beating heart of the appellation, has proudly stood atop the limestone plateau for centuries. Vines have been thriving here since Roman times, but it was the English and their insatiable thirst for Bordeaux wines that elevated Montagne to new heights in the Middle Ages.
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The appellation has continued to evolve through the ages, all while preserving its unique traditions and know-how by passing them down from generation to generation. The inimitable quality of this terroir, and the wines that it produces, was finally given PDO status on 14 November 1936. That accolade represented the culmination of a very long process, centuries of hard work and dedication which have cemented the status of Montagne Saint-Emilion as one of Bordeaux’s top names.
