▻ St Estèphe with Jane Anson
In conversation with Jane Anson
Episode Summary:-
“I would say St Estèphe is one of Bordeaux’s most exciting appellations right now,” Jane Anson declares in this 10 Minute Masterclass. Jane and Sarah Kemp take a deep dive into this appellation, whose star is in the ascendent. It is situated in Northern Medoc, to the west of the Garonne river, and represents 7.5% of the Medoc’s vineyards. There are 62 producers, down from 74 five years ago, with five Crus Classés and 15 Crus Bourgeois. Among the famous names are Châteaux Montrose, Cos d’Estournel and Calon Segur. Another name to look out for is Château Phelan Ségur. Recently Château Cos Labory has been bought by Château Cos d’Estournel and Château Lafon Richet by Jacky Lorenzetti and Emmanel Cruse. Jane also recommends Marquis de St Estèphe, one of the best co-operative cellars in Bordeaux.
There is a large gap in the price of the land between the best and worst terroir, ranging from 350,000 euros per hectare to 1,200,000 euros. The wines tend to be rich and robust, with strong tannins that allow for long ageing. Improved viticulture and change in climate has benefitted this exciting appellation. The main grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon 50%, Merlot 43%, Cabernet Franc 4%, Petit Verdot 3%. There are also tracts of Malbec and Camenère.
The two key gravel banks of the Medoc, Terrace 3 and Terrace 4, are both found in St Estèphe. Château Cos d’Estournel and its neighbours sit on Terrace 3, while Terrace 4, to the east along the estuary shore, is where you find Château Montrose and Château Meyney. You also find limestone and clay; the clay is more prevalent than in Pauillac or St Julien.
The long-time winemaker at Château Lafite , Christophe Congé, is now at Château Lafon Rochet. Other names Jane recommends looking out for include Châteaux Ormes de Pez, Meyney, Capbern, Lilian Ladouys and Haut Marbuzet. Jane’s obscure fact? The Roman town of Noviomagus was home to the same number of people as Bordeaux (Burdigala) until 350AD. The Roman remains, a theatre for 3,500 people, have been found at Brion, just north of St Estéphe. St Estèphe was also one of the busiest ports in the region prior to the draining of the Medoc, with the capacity to dock up to 200 ships.
Running Order:-
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0.00 – 6.30
“A lot of the smaller estates have been bought up – on the one side that’s a positive thing, because it’s showing there is an increased interest in the appellation.”
– Where St Estèphe is situated and its size.
– Number of producers and classified growths.
– The most famous producers.
– The taste of the appellation. -
6.30 – 10.05
“I would say St Estèphe is one of the most exciting appellations in Bordeaux right now.”
– The main grape varieties.
– The appellation’s terroir.
– Up-and-coming producers.
– Jane’s obscure facts.
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“I would say St Estèphe is one of Bordeaux’s most exciting appellations right now”. Find out about its history, the producers and the names to look out for.