The 17th century pioneers
As early as the 13th century we find traces of a Saint-Julien de Rintrac, perhaps Saint-Julien’s earliest name. But it was not until the 17th century that pioneering bourgeois and aristocrats, locals and Bordelais discovered the exceptional merits of these terroirs, buying up large tracts of vines.
This spirit still exist today in the structure of estates within the appellation: around the two villages of Beychevelle and Saint-Julien, large estates dominate, representing more than four fifths of the total surface of vineyards.
The terroir
It is homogenous over almost the entire commune. Only the proximity of the estuary, sometimes close, sometimes further away, can cause slight variations in climate. Saint-Julien-Beychevelle’s layer of gravel forms a huge rectangle over three miles long and two miles wide. The alluvial deposits are particularly well fragmented into outcrops of Garonne gravel from the early Quaternary. Protecting the vines from any stagnant water.
Tasting
The wines from the Saint-Julien appellation are recognized by their unparalleled style: particularly harmonious and elegant, they have a fine deep colour and combine the finesse of their aromas to a solid constitution. They have body, richness and a delicious and delicate perfume.
Crus