Bordeaux is reinventing itself, and Saint-Émilion embodies that promise. At the heart of this change stands Saint-Émilion Signatures, a unique event created by Derenoncourt Vignerons Consultants: a day of vineyard immersion and reflection, highlighting the technical, stylistic, and human innovations being driven by the appellation’s Grands Crus Classés.
Today, Saint-Émilion stands at the forefront of Bordeaux’s renewal. A vineyard garden reminiscent of Burgundy, with its long-standing tradition of classification, UNESCO World Heritage status, and pioneering outlook, the appellation has become an incubator for innovative winegrowing practices.
It offers a fresh perspective on Bordeaux — clearer, livelier, and more agile. Through its diverse terroirs, rigorous commitment to excellence, and foresight in addressing both market demands and climate challenges, it stands as a benchmark for interpreting the transformation of Bordeaux.
A technical and sensory exploration
On 3 July, a dozen journalists were invited for a full immersion into this evolving landscape.
The morning began at Château Fonplégade, where Romain Bocchio led a walk through the vines, focusing on climate issues, ripening strategies, and evolving cultivation practices. In the cellar, Simon Blanchard detailed the estate’s oenological approach, including plot-by-plot vinification, careful use of stems, and diversity of ageing containers.
The group then moved to Château Clos Fourtet for a packed, lively programme: a cellar tour, a vertical tasting of Cadet Bon and Fonplégade across several vintages led by Frédéric Massie, and a preview of promising young wines. A gourmet lunch followed, crafted by chef Mathieu Martin (Le Saint-James) in collaboration with Julien Lavenu, paired with a selection of Grands Crus Classés.
The afternoon continued at Château Guadet with a distinctive tour in the company of Vincent Lignac, followed by discussions on wine tourism, transmission, and openness to the world. A final glass at Vignobles & Châteaux brought the day to a convivial close.
Committed trajectories, an appellation in motion
Saint-Émilion Signatures was more than a showcase of estates. It was a collective exploration of where Bordeaux is heading. Built around taste, technical expertise, and shared commitment, the event offered an alternative vision of Bordeaux:
- clearer
- more authentic
- more aligned with today’s expectations
The conversations highlighted winegrowers’ ability to reinvent their image, craft new styles, embrace wine tourism, and pursue coherent and desirable winegrowing paths.
Saint-Émilion is not just keeping pace with change — it’s shaping it. Through events like Saint-Émilion Signatures, the appellation reaffirms its role as a driving force in the renewal of Bordeaux.
