Saint Emili0n

​Saint Emilion is a small town in the heart of the “right” bank of Bordeaux, the region where Merlot grapes dominate the wines.  The picture below best describes the town:

​You see, the town is dominated by wine shops selling some of the best wines produced in the Bordeaux region, many at rather exorbitant prices.  Petrus is a right bank winery located in the nearby Pomerol region, whereas Chateau Margaux is one of the "Premier Cru" of first growth wineries per the 1855 classification.  Note that Pretrus wines are significantly more expensive.
The town is named for its patron saint, Saint Emilion.  His story is rather long, but is celebrated in the local church (see pictures below).  The town is built on a hill, and most of the surrounding region lies on sandstone.  Quarrying in the area has left a large network of caves beneath the vineyards.  Interesting.  Some pictures follow, starting with the outer wall, the church, and a view from the upper level of the town:

​The Saint Emilion wine growing region has its own set of wine classifications, including a “Grand Cru”, or great growth.  Unlike the classification of 1855, they reevaluate the wines and wineries every ten years.  That might be an interesting system for American winery regions to consider, assuming it is legal under our anti-trust laws.