The Terroirs of Saint-Émilion – a Zoom masterclass with Jane Anson

Speaking to us from her home in Bordeaux, Jane Anson, Decanter magazine’s Bordeaux correspondent and on-line commentator of the year, took us through the terroirs of Saint-Émilion, while tasting a selection of six wines* carefully chosen to illustrate the various facets of the terroir and the wine makers’ art. For the first time, OWC members were able to purchase and have tasting-sized samples delivered to their homes, prepared by specialist suppliers Avino from wines generously supplied by the Southern Chancellor of Saint-Émilion and fellow club member Gerald Sachs.

Jane is the author of a recently-published comprehensive guide to the châteaux, the terroir and wines of Bordeaux, ‘Inside Bordeaux’ which includes detailed and newly produced, up-to-date maps of the vineyards and their soil types. After an introduction to the history of the Saint-Émilion appellation, Jane used some of these maps to illustrate the four primary quality soil types (deep clay, gravel, calcasol on soft limestone and calcasol on hard limestone) and describes their locations and influences on the wines. Jane also dealt with the impact of global warming and gave us some insights into where quality wines can now be found on what were previously considered lower quality areas and vineyards. The impact of varietal planting was explored, and the influence of the winemaker and the philosophy of the consultants to certain châteaux.

Jane has previously conducted a tasting for OWC of the wines of Pomerol and Pauillac.

*Wines Tasted:

Château de Fonbel 2014, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

Château Clos-Badon 2006, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru

Château Grand Corbin Despagne 2014, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé

Château Figeac 2006, Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé

Château Beauséjour-Bécot 2006, Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé

Château Clos Fourtet 2014, Saint-Émilion Premier Grand Cru Classé