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Saint-Julien is a red wine with AOC (quality-controlled designation of origin) status that takes its name from one of the Médoc's wine-producing communes. The quality of its terroir (soil, climate and wine-making traditions) has been formally recognized by the granting of appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) status.

History
The tradition of wine-growing in Saint-Julien-Beychevelle and the way in which its terroir has come to prominence parallels the history of the Médoc AOC wines in general. (see history section of the article entitled vignoble du Médoc Médoc AOC)

Area of designated origin
Saint-Julien wines are mainly produced in the commune of Saint-Julien-Beychevelle, but a few plots can be found elsewhere in Cussac-Fort-Médoc and Saint-Laurent-Médoc.

Saint-Julien-Beychevelle is located between Margaux and Pauillac, on the left bank of the Gironde estuary.

Geology and orography
The vineyards lie on a bed of sedimentary rock. Unlike the surface soil, which is an unbroken expanse of pebbles, the subsoil is surprisingly complex and is the reason why Saint-Julien wines vary so much in character.

Grape varieties grown
The grape varieties grown under this apellation are the same as those found throughout the Médoc area, i.e. predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, along with Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Carménère (traces only).

The maximum permitted yield per hectare is 45 hectolitres, wherever the density of planting is between 6,500 and 10,000 vines per hectare. This appellation is traditionally divided into two areas, although this is a matter of some controversy. The southern wines, which are smoother and more feminine, are closely related to the Margaux wines, while the northern wines, which are more robust and powerful (the Léoville wines, for example), have more in common with the wines of Pauillac.

Saint-Julien grands crus (great wines, lit. great growths)

 * Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou
 * Chateau Gruaud-Larose
 * Chateau Leoville Barton
 * Chateau Leoville Las Cases
 * Chateau Leoville Poyferré
 * Chateau Beychevelle
 * Chateau Lagrange
 * Château Talbot
 * Chateau Ducru-Branaire
 * Chateau Langoa Barton
 * Chateau Saint-Pierre
 * Chateau Gloria
 * Clos du Marquis

Related Articles

 * Médoc AOC
 * Bordeaux wine