Like all of the [Saint-Émilion](/appellation/saint-emilion-aoc) appellations, Puisseguin is a visually enticing village; rugged, rolling hills and ordered vine parcels present a beautiful patchwork landscape which is illuminated by the intense summer sunshine that the area receives. Typically, the [Bordeaux](/region/bordeaux) climate of long, warm summers and mild winters, affords the grapes ample time and consummate conditions to reach optimal ripeness, although occasionally spring frosts can pose a risk to the vines. Non-surprisingly, the vineyards of Puisseguin-Saint-Émilion AOC are dominated by the [Merlot](/merlot) variety which here accounts for four fifths of the seven-hundred-and-thirty hectares under vine. [Cabernet Franc](/cabernet-franc) is the undisputed second grape, with smaller amounts of [Cabernet Sauvignon](/cabernet-sauvignon) and [Malbec](/malbec). Appellation laws - laid out on its formation in 1936 - permit the use of two other grapes - [Carménère](/carmenere) and [Petit Verdot](/petit-verdot) - but these are rarely planted in modern Puisseguin vineyards. To complete the favourable terroir here, soils are fairly homogenous across the appellation’s bounds, with clay and limestone dominating, and a few small areas of alluvial gravel. The permeable limestone base layer affords the vines reliable water supply even in drier vintages. With a production of around thirty-five-thousand hectolitres each year, Puisseguin’s wines are typically a blend of [Merlot](/merlot) and [Cabernet Franc](/cabernet-franc) with small amounts of [Cabernet Sauvignon](/cabernet-sauvignon) used to improve ageing potential. Some wine-makers here also vinify the two principal grapes as mono-varietal wines with great success. The high-quality wines of the appellation are characterised by their deep crimson hue, rounded tannins and succulent texture.