Last modified: 2024-03-30 by olivier touzeau
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The territory of the Jurisdiction of Saint-Émilion covers 7,847 hectares. Delimited to the south by the Dordogne and to the north by the Barbanne stream, it is composed of a plateau (partly wooded), hillsides, concave valleys and a plain. Eight communes comprise the Jurisdiction, which was established in the 12th century by the King of England, John Lackland, Duke of Aquitaine. The landscape of the Jurisdiction of Saint-Émilion is a monoculture, comprised exclusively of vines that were introduced intact and have remained active until today. Viticulture was introduced into this fertile region of Aquitaine by the Romans and intensified in the Middle Ages. The Saint-Émilion territory benefited from its location of the Pilgrimage Route to Santiago de Compostela, and several churches, monasteries and hospices were built as of the 11th century.
Before viticulture secured its place in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, castles were built on dominant sites to serve seigniorial residencies. However, the "châteaux" of the vineyards were located in the centre of their domains. They date from the mid-18th century to the early 19th century.
The villages are characterized by modest stone houses dating from the early 19th century. Intended for the vineyard workers, they were never more than two storeys high and were grouped in small hamlets. The chais (wine storehouses) are large rectangular functional structures built in stone or a mixture of brick and stone, with tiled double-pitched roofs. [source: UNESCO official website]
Ivan Sache, 22 April 2022
The history of the Jurisdiction dates back to July 8, 1199. The King of England, Duke of Aquitaine, John Lackland, through the “Charter of Falaise” confirmed the bourgeois of Saint-Émilion in their rights and free customs and gave the Jurisdiction an essential role. It monitors the production and development of “fine” wines, holds the “winemaker’s fire mark” printed on each barrel, proclaims the “Ban des Vendanges” (harvest ban), cracks down on abuse and fraud and destroys wine deemed unworthy.
Dissolved during the Revolution, it was reborn in 1948 under the leadership of passionate winegrowers wishing to perpetuate the traditions and values of Saint-Émilion wines. The Jurisdiction maintains the memory of Saint-Émilion wines and ensures their reputation throughout the world. This brotherhood organizes receptions and induction ceremonies through which its 140 jurats perpetuate the values of sharing, discovery, transmission and tradition. In September, generally on the 3rd Sunday of the month, the Ban des Vendanges takes place in Saint-Émilion, which launches the harvest period. Experts sent to the vineyards once had the mission of ensuring that the grapes were at perfect maturity. The Jurisdiction could then proclaim the opening of the ban. Today, this ceremony is a link between the past and the future and an opportunity to celebrate the harvested vintage. [source: official website]
The eight communes of the Jurisdiction of Saint-Émilion are: Saint-Émilion, Saint-Laurent des Combes, Saint-Christophe des Bardes, Saint Pey-d'Armens, Saint-Etienne-de-Lisse, Saint Sulpice-de-Faleyrens, Saint-Hippolyte, Vignonet.
Olivier Touzeau, 30 March 2024
![[Standard]](../images/f/fr}jusem.gif)
Standard of the Jurisdiction of Saint-Émilion - Image by Olivier Touzeau, 30 March 2024
During the "ban des vendanges" ceremony, a square red standard carrying the seal of the
Jurisdiction in white can be observed (photo, photo). A large vertical banner is
deployed on the tower (tour du Roy) of Saint-Emilion with the same
emblem (video).
The seal includes the heraldic shields of the kingdoms of France and England.
Olivier Touzeau, 30 March 2024