St. Estephe Bordeaux

Named for the Saint-Estèphe village, this appellation is located in northern Médoc, a sub-region of Bordeaux, France. While it has been an official appellation since 1936, its vineyards date back to the Roman times.

Home to two second-growth wineries from the Bordeaux Wine Official Classification of 1855, Château Cos d'Estournel and Château Montrose, grapes grown here include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Carménère and Petit Verdot. A lesser-known grape grown called Côt is actually thought to be identical to the Malbec. Many of the wineries in Saint-Estèphe create blends of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Percentages of Merlot are often increased in a blend to help soften these wines on the palate in the event they are opened while still young.

Quick Facts

• Château Cos d'Estournel’s vineyards are right next to Château Lafite-Rothschild
• Wine writer Pierre Casamayor often suggests pairing these wines with red meats, especially local Pauillac lamb
• Of the 136 producers of Saint-Estèphe wine, 56 are privately-owned estates and the rest are cooperatives