Bordeaux - St. Emilion - France

For many wine lovers, the beautiful town of Saint-Émilion is a place of pilgrimage. The vineyards lie on and around the hillside of Saint-Émilion. They vary enormously, particularly in soil composition and exposure to the sun. But in all the vineyards, Merlot is the dominant grape.

In Saint-Émilion, Merlot is blended with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. A good Saint-Émilion can be aged for a long time. Saint-Émilion and Pomerol are places where Merlot truly shines.

More than half of the wine from Saint-Émilion is Grand Cru. This title doesn't mean much, though. And if you see a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru for ten euros at a liquor store or online, chances are you're looking at a simple wine—despite the fancy label. If you're looking for a good, affordable St.Émilion, choose a Grand Cru Classée.

The best wines from Saint-Émilion are the Premier Cru Classées A and B. Only a few estates have a Premier Cru Classée A classification, and eleven estates have a Classée B classification. These wines are of exceptional quality and therefore come with a hefty price tag.