This tiny 7.3-hectare property has been referred to as a ‘vin de garage’. Stéphane Derenoncourt has been consultant for many years and Rol Valentin is now one of the most sought-after Saint Emilion in Bordeaux. The wines are intense, deep and rich, and made in tiny quantities.

Despite this Chateau having existed for a very long time it was the arrival of Eric Prissette in 1994 that has marked this small 7.3 hectare estate to have taken off quality-wise and media-wise, becoming a well-known and international reference and well-graded by the greatest wine critics. Potential in this estate was seen by Alexandra and Nicolas Robin in 2009 when they bought it as they kept working hard to improve of the quality of the vineyard whilst being involved in all aspects of the estate since the very beginning. The environment has been an important approach for Alexandra and Nicolas, maintaining that there has never been any herbicide used in Chateau Rol Valentin, now achieving the certification HVE3 (level 3 High Environmental Value Certification).

The Saint-Émilion wine region, situated on the right bank of Bordeaux, is one of France’s most prestigious appellations and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its climate is predominantly maritime, moderated by the nearby Dordogne River. Warm summers and mild winters provide favourable conditions for grape growing, though occasional spring frosts and heavy rainfall can pose challenges.

The soils of Saint-Émilion are diverse and central to the character of its wines. Limestone plateaus dominate, lending freshness and minerality, while clay-limestone slopes retain moisture and add power. Gravelly and sandy soils in lower areas encourage earlier ripening and softer, approachable styles. This mosaic of terroirs allows for a remarkable range of expressions.

Merlot is the dominant grape variety, thriving in the cool clay and limestone soils, producing wines with plush fruit, supple tannins and early accessibility. It is typically blended with Cabernet Franc, which contributes aromatic lift, structure and ageing potential, while smaller amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec are sometimes included.

The wines of Saint-Émilion are renowned for their richness and elegance. They often display flavours of ripe plum, black cherry and blackberry, complemented by notes of violet, cedar, truffle and spice. Styles range from fruit-forward and approachable to structured, age-worthy wines of great complexity.

Merlot is one of the world’s most widely planted and popular red grape varieties, prized for its soft texture, approachability, and rich fruit character. Originating in Bordeaux, France—particularly prominent in the Right Bank regions of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol—Merlot is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties to add suppleness and ripe fruit.

Viticulturally, Merlot is an early-ripening grape, making it well-suited to cooler climates. It thrives in clay-rich soils, which enhance its plush texture and depth. However, it can be sensitive to frost and overly vigorous if not carefully managed, sometimes leading to high yields and diluted flavours.

Today, Merlot is grown extensively around the world, including in France, Italy, the United States (especially California and Washington State), Chile, Australia, and New Zealand. In each region, it adapts to different styles—from soft and fruity to structured and age-worthy.

Merlot wines are typically medium to full-bodied, with smooth tannins and flavours of plum, black cherry, blackberry, chocolate, and sometimes herbal or earthy notes. In warmer climates, the wines tend to be richer and fruitier, while cooler regions produce more restrained, elegant expressions. Merlot’s versatility and charm make it a staple of both varietal wines and blends worldwide.

Cabernet Franc is one of the classic black grape varieties, believed to have originated in southwest France, possibly in the Basque region. Genetically, it is a parent of both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, making it a cornerstone of many of the world’s great red wines. In the vineyard, Cabernet Franc is known for its early ripening, adaptability to cooler climates, and good disease resistance. It thrives in well-drained, gravelly or sandy soils, producing moderate yields with small, thin-skinned berries.

Traditionally associated with the Loire Valley (notably Chinon, Bourgueil, and Saumur-Champigny) and Bordeaux, it is now grown worldwide, including in Italy’s Friuli and Veneto regions, Spain, Hungary, South Africa, the United States (especially California and New York’s Finger Lakes), Canada, Argentina, and New Zealand.

Cabernet Franc’s style varies with climate and winemaking approach. In cooler regions, it produces medium-bodied wines with high acidity, moderate tannins, and distinctive aromas of redcurrant, raspberry, and violets, often with herbal or leafy notes such as green bell pepper. Warmer climates yield riper, fuller expressions with blackberry, plum, and spice. It is frequently used in Bordeaux-style blends for aromatic lift and finesse, but can also shine as a varietal wine, celebrated for its elegance, freshness, and complex, savoury character.

Malbec is a dark-skinned grape variety originally from southwestern France, particularly Cahors, where it was historically known as “Côt.” Once widely grown throughout Bordeaux as a blending grape, its plantings in France declined due to susceptibility to frost, coulure, and disease. However, Malbec found a new home in Argentina, where it has become the country’s flagship variety.

Viticulturally, Malbec thrives in warm, sunny climates with significant diurnal temperature variation, which helps develop rich fruit flavours while preserving acidity. The grape is vigorous, with large berries and thin skins, making it prone to rot in humid conditions but capable of producing deeply coloured wines in dry environments.

Globally, Malbec is most famously planted in Argentina’s Mendoza region, where high-altitude vineyards produce intensely flavoured wines with smooth tannins. It is also cultivated in Cahors, Chile, the United States (notably California and Washington), Australia, and South Africa.

In style, Malbec ranges from the rustic, tannic, and earthy examples of Cahors to the plush, fruit-forward wines of Mendoza. Typical flavours include ripe black plum, blackberry, and blueberry, often accented by cocoa, violet, and spice notes. Well-made Malbecs are full-bodied, with deep colour, supple texture, and a crowd-pleasing balance of fruit richness and structure.