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Saint-Emilion, Prestigious
Town and Vineyard
From Royan, the
quickest route to take is the D730 road in the direction of Bordeaux
up to Mirambeau where it joins the A10 autoroute, entry number 37, up
to Saint-André-de-Cubzac where one leaves the autoroute to take the
D670 in the direction of Libourne and after Libourne, the D243 up to
Saint-Emilion.
The region of Saint-Emilion, on the right bank of the Dordogne,
dominates the valley.
On arriving, one can leave the car in the upper part of the town,
outside the walls and enjoy all the charm of this magnificent town by
walking in the streets, alleys and squares.
Climbing up to the top of the Tour du Roi, a rectangular keep, there
is a good view of the area covered by the town and the vineyard.
Saint-Emilion
and Saint-Emilion
Grand Cru
To get
acquainted with the wines of the area, it is recommended to begin with
a visit to the Maison du Vin de Saint-Emilion, in the upper part of
the town, before visiting some of the numerous shops of the local wine
traders.
The famous Châteaux are just outside the town gates and one can cross
the vineyards in a small train, whilst listening to a commentary on
the vineyards.
The wines of the Saint-Emilion geographic area are classified into two
appellations, Saint-Emilion and Saint-Emilion Grand Cru.
The
Saint-Emilion Grand Cru classification is revised every ten years, and
this classification distinguishes between the Premiers Grands Crus
classés and the Grands Crus Classés.
The
surrounding appellations
Visiting the
town requires a full day, but if it is your first visit, leave time
for the surrounding districts which have earned the right to have
their names followed by Saint-Emilion, and some time to visit the
appellations of Pomerol and Lalande-de-Pomerol.
You will make
interesting discoveries.
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