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Montagne-Saint-Émilion is an appellation for red wines in the Bordeaux region of France. The label can be applied to all wines which comply with the AOCs production rules, and are produced within the commune of Montagne itself, or in the tiny hamlets which surround the town. Wines from this appellation tend to be full-bodied with a good tannic structure and intense red berry aromas.
Located at the heart of the prestigious right bank, close to the two heavyweight appellations of [Pomerol](/appellation/pomerol-aoc) and [Saint-Émilion](/appellation/saint-emilion-aoc), Montagne boasts more than one-thousand-six-hundred hectares under vine, making it the largest of the four Saint-Émilion satellites. A picturesque region, characterised by rolling hills, Romanesque churches and abundant historical charm, Montagne and its immediate environs offer much to the oenophile. With a perfect viticultural landscape punctuated by numerous beautifully maintained châteaux, the area lends itself to the current trend of wine tourism. Originally created in 1922 - with official AOC status granted fourteen years later, Montagne’s vineyards follow the expected pattern of right bank [Bordeaux](/region/bordeaux) appellations, being dominated by the [Merlot](/merlot) variety (75% of the vine), with support from [Cabernet Franc](/cabernet-franc) (15%), [Cabernet Sauvignon](/cabernet-sauvignon) (around 8%) and [Malbec](/malbec) (known here by the alias [Côt](/cot), 2%). A minuscule amount of [Petit Verdot](/petit-verdot) is also planted by some producers and [Carménère](/carmenere) is permitted but rarely used. The favourable [Bordeaux](/region/bordeaux) climate, along with ancient soils of clay-limestone on steep self-draining slopes, constitutes a perfect terroir for the appellation’s ecologically aware and quality-focussed producers. More than two-hundred wine-growers share Montagne’s vineyards, with the majority making wine from their own yield and a small number (around one ninth of the total), contributing to a cooperative cellar. Widely regarded as the most prestigious satellite, the wines of Montagne are typically well-balanced and elegant, with expressive bouquets and silky tannins. Their potential to age well is also considerable. Wine-makers here are very proud of what they offer, and it is often joked that the ‘bottom of Montagne’s church steps is on par with the steeple of [Saint-Émilion](/appellation/saint-emilion-aoc)!’.
