Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion

The Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion appellation is one of Saint-Emilion's "satellite" appellations, and is located some 50 km east of Bordeaux, northeast of Saint Emilion on the right bank of the Dordogne. It has had an appellation d'origine contrôlée since November 14, 1936, and only wines harvested in the commune of Puisseguin can claim it. The production area covers some 750 hectares, with an annual output of around 35,000 hectolitres.

The vineyards of Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion are planted on predominantly clay-limestone soils, sometimes composed of silty sands. To the north and northeast of Saint-Emilion, the vineyards of Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion benefit from good south-southeast exposure. The whole area rests on a stony, porous substratum that provides the vines with a good supply of water, even during dry periods. Winters are generally mild, summers hot and autumns long and sunny. As a result, the vineyards are ideal for harvesting perfectly ripe, healthy and concentrated grapes.

The appellation produces exclusively red wines from CabernetFranc, Cabernet-Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. This is a very high-quality appellation, with production yields set at 45 hectoliters per hectare. The AOC decree for Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion wines also permits the use of two other grape varieties: Malbec (or Côt) and Carménère, but only Malbec is still used anecdotally. On the palate, Puisseguin-Saint-Emilion wines charm with their fleshy, fleshy texture, never heavy. Tannins are present, but finely coated. They ensure good ageing potential. The wines of Château Rigaud and Château Langlais bear witness to this.