Lussac-Saint-Émilion
リュサック・サンテミリオン
The most northerly and second-largest of Saint-Émilion's four satellite AOCs, offering plush, Merlot-driven reds with velvety tannins at outstanding value — quality rivalling Saint-Émilion AOC itself.
Lussac-Saint-Émilion is an AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) established on November 14, 1936, located on Bordeaux's Right Bank approximately 9 km north of the medieval village of Saint-Émilion. The most northerly of the four Saint-Émilion satellite appellations, it covers around 1,461 hectares with some 170 estates. Its diverse terroir spans clay-limestone slopes in the southeast (reminiscent of Saint-Émilion itself), gravel and sandy-gravel plateaus in the west, and clay-dominated soils in the north — all arranged in a natural semicircle that ensures excellent drainage. Merlot accounts for over 70% of plantings, complemented by Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines express intense red-fruit aromas of cherry and plum, notes of liquorice and spice, and a round, velvety palate with generous tannins. They are approachable young yet reward 5–10 years of cellaring. Offering quality comparable to Saint-Émilion AOC at a fraction of the price, Lussac-Saint-Émilion is widely regarded as one of Bordeaux's best values. Notable producers include Château de Lussac, Château de Barbe Blanche (André Lurton), Château Lyonnat, Château Mayne Blanc, Château Barbe-Blanche, Château du Courlat, and Château Bel-Air.
Best for: Lovers of Right Bank Bordeaux seeking approachable, fruit-forward Merlot-based wines with soft tannins and good aging potential at everyday prices. Also ideal for those exploring beyond mainstream Saint-Émilion.
No sub-regions registered yet.
Producers
シャトー・ベル・エール
Château Bel-Air
Located in the heart of the Lussac-Saint-Émilion appellation, Château Bel-Air is a family-owned estate managed by the Roi family for over a century. The 21-hectare vineyard sits on a plateau of clay and silica gravel with an iron-rich subsoil, which imparts a silky, velvety texture to the wines. Since 2014, the estate has collaborated with renowned consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt to enhance precision and terroir expression. The wines, typically a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, are known for their balance, structure, and aging potential.
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www.chateau-belair.comシャトー・クロワ・ド・ランボー
Château Croix de Rambeau
Located in the heart of the Libournais region, Château Croix de Rambeau is a 6.5-hectare estate managed by the renowned Trocard family, who have been winemakers for 15 generations. The vineyard features red and brown clay soils over asteriated limestone, perfectly suited for its blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. The wines are celebrated for their deep color, complex aromas of black fruits, spices, and leather, and a refined, silky tannic structure. With a commitment to sustainable practices, the estate produces elegant, age-worthy wines that reflect the unique terroir of Lussac-Saint-Émilion.
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www.trocard.comシャトー・グラン・ロック
Château Grand Roc
Château Grand Roc is a wine estate located in the Lussac-Saint-Émilion appellation, one of the satellite appellations of the prestigious Saint-Émilion region on the Right Bank of Bordeaux. The estate produces red wines primarily from Merlot, blended with Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, reflecting the clay-limestone soils characteristic of this terroir. The wines are known for their structured yet accessible style, combining ripe fruit expression with the elegance typical of the Libournais right bank.
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シャトー・オー・ピカ
Château Haut-Piquat
Located in the Lussac-Saint-Émilion appellation, Château Haut-Piquat is a family-owned estate acquired by the Rivière family in 1972. The 22-hectare vineyard sits on exceptional clay-limestone plateaus and hillsides. The estate combines tradition and modernity, utilizing sustainable viticulture (HVE 3 certified) and aging its wines for 18 months in French oak barrels. The resulting wines are known for their deep color, complex aromas of red fruits, spices, and vanilla, offering a balance of power, roundness, and finesse.
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chateau-haut-piquat.com/シャトー・ラ・ローズ・ペリエール
Château La Rose Perrière
Château La Rose Perrière is a distinguished estate located in the Lussac-Saint-Émilion appellation of Bordeaux. With a history dating back to the 19th century, the estate is renowned for its unique terroir, characterized by limestone-clay soils and ancient underground quarries that provide optimal conditions for vine cultivation. The estate is managed by the Jean-Luc Sylvain family, who combine traditional winemaking techniques with modern precision. Their wines are celebrated for their elegance, structure, and ability to age, reflecting the true character of the Right Bank. The vineyard practices sustainable viticulture to preserve the biodiversity of the estate.
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www.chateaularoseperriere.com/シャトー・リュカ
Château Lucas
Located in the Lussac-Saint-Émilion appellation, Château Lucas is a family-run estate managed by Frédéric Vauthier, known for his connection to the prestigious Château Ausone. The 21-hectare vineyard features a unique, balanced blend of 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Franc, grown on clay-limestone soils. This high proportion of Cabernet Franc provides a polished, fresh, and structured character to the wines. The estate is committed to sustainable practices and produces wines that are celebrated for their approachable elegance, savory dark fruit notes, and excellent aging potential.
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www.vigneron-independant.com/chateau-lucas-33570-lussac-16788シャトー・リオナ
Château Lyonnat
Located in the Lussac-Saint-Émilion appellation, Château Lyonnat is a historic estate with roots dating back to the 18th century. Owned by the Milhade family since 1961, the estate spans approximately 52 hectares of vineyards. The terroir, characterized by clay-limestone soils, produces elegant and structured Merlot-dominant wines. The estate is committed to sustainable viticulture, holding HVE (High Environmental Value) certification, and focuses on expressing the purity of the fruit through meticulous vineyard management and traditional winemaking techniques.
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www.chateau-lyonnat.fr/シャトー・メーヌ・ブラン
Château Mayne Blanc
Located in the heart of the Lussac-Saint-Émilion appellation, Château Mayne Blanc is a 21-hectare estate with a history dating back to 1961. The vineyard benefits from a unique terroir characterized by clay-limestone soils and excellent sun exposure, which are ideal for the cultivation of Merlot (80%), Cabernet Franc (10%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%). The estate is committed to traditional winemaking, producing elegant, structured red wines that reflect the essence of the Right Bank of Bordeaux. With a focus on quality and sustainable practices, the winery has gained recognition for its consistent performance and classic, savory style.
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www.chateaumayneblanc.frシャトー・ヴュー・ムーラン
Château Vieux Moulin
Château Vieux Moulin is a producer located in the Lussac-Saint-Émilion appellation, one of the renowned satellite regions of Saint-Émilion in Bordeaux. The estate typically crafts red wines dominated by Merlot and Cabernet Franc, reflecting the traditional terroir of the Libournais area. These wines are characterized by their round texture, fine tannins, and expressive red fruit aromas, often showing good balance and freshness. The estate's production is known for offering excellent value and typical regional character, making it an accessible entry point into the high-quality wines of the Right Bank.
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シャトー・ド・リュサック
Château de Lussac
Château de Lussac is a prominent estate located in the Lussac-Saint-Émilion appellation of Bordeaux. With a history dating back to the 18th century, the estate benefits from a unique terroir characterized by clay-limestone soils, which are ideal for cultivating Merlot. The winery is committed to sustainable viticulture, holding HVE (High Environmental Value) certification. Their wines are celebrated for their elegance, structured tannins, and rich fruit profiles, offering a sophisticated expression of the Right Bank's character while maintaining excellent value for wine enthusiasts.
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www.chateaudelussac.com/シャトー・デュ・クルラ
Château du Courlat
Located in the Lussac-Saint-Émilion appellation on the Right Bank of Bordeaux, Château du Courlat is a historic estate managed by the Bourotte family. The vineyard, characterized by clay-limestone soils, produces elegant wines primarily from Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The estate is known for its peaceful environment, featuring a lake and medieval stables. Under the guidance of the Bourotte family, who also own other prestigious properties in Pomerol, the estate emphasizes precision in viticulture and winemaking to express the freshness and structure of its unique terroir.
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www.chateauducourlat.com
Food Pairings
Classic pairings include roast lamb, beef entrecôte, duck confit, braised short ribs, venison, and rabbit. The wine's velvety tannins and red-fruit profile also complement charcuterie, aged cheeses (Comté, Roquefort), mushroom-based dishes, and hearty vegetable gratins. Works beautifully with game birds and pork roast.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Lussac-Saint-Émilion and how does it differ from Saint-Émilion?
- Lussac-Saint-Émilion is one of four 'satellite' AOCs located just north of the Saint-Émilion appellation. Before 1921, producers here sold their wine as Saint-Émilion, but court rulings created firm boundaries. The satellite appellations produce similar Merlot-dominant styles but at lower prices — typically $15–25 versus $20–30+ for Saint-Émilion AOC. The terroir is slightly less prestigious but quality is often comparable.
- What grapes are used in Lussac-Saint-Émilion wines?
- Merlot dominates, typically making up 70–80% of blends. Cabernet Franc is the main blending partner, adding structure and floral character. Small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon are also used. Only red wines are produced under this AOC — no white or rosé.
- How long can you age Lussac-Saint-Émilion wines?
- Most bottles can be enjoyed from release and will develop nicely over 3–10 years. Top châteaux in excellent vintages can cellar for 10–15 years. Unlike the grandest Bordeaux, many Lussac wines are accessible young thanks to their soft, round tannins — making them a great choice for those who prefer not to wait for their wine.
- Which are the most notable producers in Lussac-Saint-Émilion?
- Key estates include Château de Lussac (a 30-hectare landmark), Château de Barbe Blanche (owned by the André Lurton family, with history dating to Henri IV), Château Lyonnat (Milhade family, fruit-forward and value-driven), Château Mayne Blanc, Château du Courlat, and Château Bel-Air. About 170 châteaux are active in the appellation.
- Is Lussac-Saint-Émilion a good value wine?
- Yes — it is widely considered one of Bordeaux's best value propositions. It delivers quality comparable to Saint-Émilion AOC, with similar Merlot-based richness and Right Bank character, at a significantly lower price point. Wine critics regularly recommend Lussac satellites as 'hidden gems' of Bordeaux for everyday drinking.