Wine Makers Show: the wine podcast

Saint-Émilion Explained: A Hermit, a Limestone Hill & a Wine Civil War

19min | 10/01/2026

Description

🎓 Prepare WSET exam with our app: https://distinction.winemakersshow.com

🗺️ The France Wine Map: https://www.winemakersshow.com/shop/carte-vins-france

🎓 Learn wine, join the academy: https://academy.winemakersshow.com

Saint-Émilion is the most beautiful wine town in Bordeaux: a golden medieval village carved into a limestone hill, named after an 8th-century hermit, sitting on a labyrinth of underground caves. It's also home to the most dramatic story in modern wine: a classification system so contested that three of its four top estates quit in protest. In this video: the full history (Romans, the hermit, the monks), the limestone terroir, the Merlot–Cabernet Franc wines, the famously confusing "Grand Cru vs Grand Cru Classé" problem, the garage wine revolution, the satellite appellations for value, and the 2022 classification meltdown, explained.

Watch the Bordeaux classifications video:

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 📚CHAPTERS 📚 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

00:00 Introduction

01:18 Orientation on Saint-Émilion

02:43 History of wines in Saint-Émilion

05:38 Limestone: the terroir of Saint-Émilion

07:33 Merlot and Cabernet Franc: kings of Saint-Émilion

09:59 Grand cru de Saint-Émilion vs Grand Cru Classé

11:15 The Classification of Saint-Émilion

12:32 The year that blew up the Saint-Émilion Classification

15:34 The garage wine revolution

17:13 Saint-Émilion satellites

18:23 Buying guide to Saint-Émilion wines

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ⭐️ ABOUT ⭐️ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

My name is Antoine, and I’ve been passionate about wine for several years. I knew nothing at first, so I went out to meet the biggest figures in the industry and turned those encounters into a podcast that’s now listened to by over 100,000 people. I now share with you what I’ve learned, and I hope we embark together on a beautiful wine journey to discover the finest experiences.

Follow us on our platforms:

Website: https://winemakersshow.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winemakersshow/

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1J50w14nMbVRCnKSsQ4hEP

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@winemakersshow?sub_confirmation=1

#SaintEmilion #Bordeaux #WineEducation #Merlot

ALCOHOL ABUSE IS DANGEROUS FOUR YOUR HEALTH. CONSUME IN MODERATION.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Chapters

Introduction
0sec
Orientation on Saint-Émilion
1min
History of wines in Saint-Émilion
2min
Limestone, the terroir of Saint-Émilion
5min
Merlot and Cabernet Franc, kings of Saint-Émilion
7min
Grand cru de Saint-Émilion vs Grand Cru Classé
9min
The Classification of Saint-Émilion
11min
The year that blew up the Saint-Émilion Classification
12min
The garage wine revolution
15min
Saint-Émilion satellites
17min
Buying guide to Saint-Émilion wines
18min

About Wine Makers Show: the wine podcast

Join us on Wine Makers Show, the podcast that uncorks the world of wine! Hosted by Antoine, a passionate entrepreneur and wine enthusiast, this show dives deep into the stories, expertise, and journeys of the people who make wine extraordinary: winemakers, sommeliers, vintners, and industry trailblazers.

What to Expect

In-Depth Interviews: Hear from top figures in the wine world, from renowned vintners to unsung heroes, as they share their experiences, challenges, and secrets to success.
Club Episodes: Explore specific wine topics, from production techniques to tasting tips, in focused, occasional deep dives.
A Journey of Discovery: Whether you're a novice or a connoisseur, we break down the complexities of wine to make it accessible and engaging.

Why Listen?

Wine Makers Show is your gateway to understanding wine like never before. With a focus on storytelling and sharing, Antoine brings you closer to the heart of the wine industry, one conversation at a time. Expect authentic discussions, insider knowledge, and a celebration of the craft and culture of wine.

Connect with Us

Visit winemakersshow.com to get in touch or suggest a guest.
Email Antoine directly at winemakersshow@gmail.com.
Follow the journey on Instagram: @winemakersshow
Join the Academy and learn everything about wine

Tune in to Wine Makers Show and sip on the stories behind every bottle!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About Wine Makers Show: the wine podcast

Join us on Wine Makers Show, the podcast that uncorks the world of wine! Hosted by Antoine, a passionate entrepreneur and wine enthusiast, this show dives deep into the stories, expertise, and journeys of the people who make wine extraordinary: winemakers, sommeliers, vintners, and industry trailblazers.

What to Expect

In-Depth Interviews: Hear from top figures in the wine world, from renowned vintners to unsung heroes, as they share their experiences, challenges, and secrets to success.
Club Episodes: Explore specific wine topics, from production techniques to tasting tips, in focused, occasional deep dives.
A Journey of Discovery: Whether you're a novice or a connoisseur, we break down the complexities of wine to make it accessible and engaging.

Why Listen?

Wine Makers Show is your gateway to understanding wine like never before. With a focus on storytelling and sharing, Antoine brings you closer to the heart of the wine industry, one conversation at a time. Expect authentic discussions, insider knowledge, and a celebration of the craft and culture of wine.

Connect with Us

Visit winemakersshow.com to get in touch or suggest a guest.
Email Antoine directly at winemakersshow@gmail.com.
Follow the journey on Instagram: @winemakersshow
Join the Academy and learn everything about wine

Tune in to Wine Makers Show and sip on the stories behind every bottle!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Description

🎓 Prepare WSET exam with our app: https://distinction.winemakersshow.com

🗺️ The France Wine Map: https://www.winemakersshow.com/shop/carte-vins-france

🎓 Learn wine, join the academy: https://academy.winemakersshow.com

Saint-Émilion is the most beautiful wine town in Bordeaux: a golden medieval village carved into a limestone hill, named after an 8th-century hermit, sitting on a labyrinth of underground caves. It's also home to the most dramatic story in modern wine: a classification system so contested that three of its four top estates quit in protest. In this video: the full history (Romans, the hermit, the monks), the limestone terroir, the Merlot–Cabernet Franc wines, the famously confusing "Grand Cru vs Grand Cru Classé" problem, the garage wine revolution, the satellite appellations for value, and the 2022 classification meltdown, explained.

Watch the Bordeaux classifications video:

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 📚CHAPTERS 📚 ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

00:00 Introduction

01:18 Orientation on Saint-Émilion

02:43 History of wines in Saint-Émilion

05:38 Limestone: the terroir of Saint-Émilion

07:33 Merlot and Cabernet Franc: kings of Saint-Émilion

09:59 Grand cru de Saint-Émilion vs Grand Cru Classé

11:15 The Classification of Saint-Émilion

12:32 The year that blew up the Saint-Émilion Classification

15:34 The garage wine revolution

17:13 Saint-Émilion satellites

18:23 Buying guide to Saint-Émilion wines

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ⭐️ ABOUT ⭐️ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

My name is Antoine, and I’ve been passionate about wine for several years. I knew nothing at first, so I went out to meet the biggest figures in the industry and turned those encounters into a podcast that’s now listened to by over 100,000 people. I now share with you what I’ve learned, and I hope we embark together on a beautiful wine journey to discover the finest experiences.

Follow us on our platforms:

Website: https://winemakersshow.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winemakersshow/

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1J50w14nMbVRCnKSsQ4hEP

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@winemakersshow?sub_confirmation=1

#SaintEmilion #Bordeaux #WineEducation #Merlot

ALCOHOL ABUSE IS DANGEROUS FOUR YOUR HEALTH. CONSUME IN MODERATION.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Chapters

Introduction
0sec
Orientation on Saint-Émilion
1min
History of wines in Saint-Émilion
2min
Limestone, the terroir of Saint-Émilion
5min
Merlot and Cabernet Franc, kings of Saint-Émilion
7min
Grand cru de Saint-Émilion vs Grand Cru Classé
9min
The Classification of Saint-Émilion
11min
The year that blew up the Saint-Émilion Classification
12min
The garage wine revolution
15min
Saint-Émilion satellites
17min
Buying guide to Saint-Émilion wines
18min

About Wine Makers Show: the wine podcast

Join us on Wine Makers Show, the podcast that uncorks the world of wine! Hosted by Antoine, a passionate entrepreneur and wine enthusiast, this show dives deep into the stories, expertise, and journeys of the people who make wine extraordinary: winemakers, sommeliers, vintners, and industry trailblazers.

What to Expect

In-Depth Interviews: Hear from top figures in the wine world, from renowned vintners to unsung heroes, as they share their experiences, challenges, and secrets to success.
Club Episodes: Explore specific wine topics, from production techniques to tasting tips, in focused, occasional deep dives.
A Journey of Discovery: Whether you're a novice or a connoisseur, we break down the complexities of wine to make it accessible and engaging.

Why Listen?

Wine Makers Show is your gateway to understanding wine like never before. With a focus on storytelling and sharing, Antoine brings you closer to the heart of the wine industry, one conversation at a time. Expect authentic discussions, insider knowledge, and a celebration of the craft and culture of wine.

Connect with Us

Visit winemakersshow.com to get in touch or suggest a guest.
Email Antoine directly at winemakersshow@gmail.com.
Follow the journey on Instagram: @winemakersshow
Join the Academy and learn everything about wine

Tune in to Wine Makers Show and sip on the stories behind every bottle!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

About Wine Makers Show: the wine podcast

Join us on Wine Makers Show, the podcast that uncorks the world of wine! Hosted by Antoine, a passionate entrepreneur and wine enthusiast, this show dives deep into the stories, expertise, and journeys of the people who make wine extraordinary: winemakers, sommeliers, vintners, and industry trailblazers.

What to Expect

In-Depth Interviews: Hear from top figures in the wine world, from renowned vintners to unsung heroes, as they share their experiences, challenges, and secrets to success.
Club Episodes: Explore specific wine topics, from production techniques to tasting tips, in focused, occasional deep dives.
A Journey of Discovery: Whether you're a novice or a connoisseur, we break down the complexities of wine to make it accessible and engaging.

Why Listen?

Wine Makers Show is your gateway to understanding wine like never before. With a focus on storytelling and sharing, Antoine brings you closer to the heart of the wine industry, one conversation at a time. Expect authentic discussions, insider knowledge, and a celebration of the craft and culture of wine.

Connect with Us

Visit winemakersshow.com to get in touch or suggest a guest.
Email Antoine directly at winemakersshow@gmail.com.
Follow the journey on Instagram: @winemakersshow
Join the Academy and learn everything about wine

Tune in to Wine Makers Show and sip on the stories behind every bottle!

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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Chapters

Introduction

Orientation on Saint-Émilion

History of wines in Saint-Émilion

Limestone, the terroir of Saint-Émilion

Merlot and Cabernet Franc, kings of Saint-Émilion

Grand cru de Saint-Émilion vs Grand Cru Classé

The Classification of Saint-Émilion

The year that blew up the Saint-Émilion Classification

The garage wine revolution

Saint-Émilion satellites

Buying guide to Saint-Émilion wines

Chapters

Introduction

Orientation on Saint-Émilion

History of wines in Saint-Émilion

Limestone, the terroir of Saint-Émilion

Merlot and Cabernet Franc, kings of Saint-Émilion

Grand cru de Saint-Émilion vs Grand Cru Classé

The Classification of Saint-Émilion

The year that blew up the Saint-Émilion Classification

The garage wine revolution

Saint-Émilion satellites

Buying guide to Saint-Émilion wines

Chapters

Introduction

Orientation on Saint-Émilion

History of wines in Saint-Émilion

Limestone, the terroir of Saint-Émilion

Merlot and Cabernet Franc, kings of Saint-Émilion

Grand cru de Saint-Émilion vs Grand Cru Classé

The Classification of Saint-Émilion

The year that blew up the Saint-Émilion Classification

The garage wine revolution

Saint-Émilion satellites

Buying guide to Saint-Émilion wines

Chapters

Introduction

Orientation on Saint-Émilion

History of wines in Saint-Émilion

Limestone, the terroir of Saint-Émilion

Merlot and Cabernet Franc, kings of Saint-Émilion

Grand cru de Saint-Émilion vs Grand Cru Classé

The Classification of Saint-Émilion

The year that blew up the Saint-Émilion Classification

The garage wine revolution

Saint-Émilion satellites

Buying guide to Saint-Émilion wines