As in all beautiful stories, one look was enough for successive owners of La Dominique to be smitten with this magnificent Saint Emilion estate, and commit to making the most of it. Called "Durieu" in the early 17th century, the property was acquired by the Glenne family and named "Dominique" by Jacques and Isabeau Micheau in 1690. A subsequent owner, merchant Henri Greloud, added the definite article "La" in the mid-19th century. He is said to have done so because of his love for the Caribbean island of Dominica (or "La Dominique" in French).

It took only one look for Clément Fayat to see the potential of this Saint-Emilion grand cru classé. When he acquired the estate in 1969, it consisted of just a country manor house surrounded by a few vines. La Dominique clearly deserved more attention. Clément Fayat, a tireless builder strongly attached to the land because of his family origins in the nearby Corrèze, evaluated what improvements needed to be made in the vineyard and cellar, and decided to act. Quality was at the heart of his investment strategy. His son, Jean-Claude Fayat now shares the same outlook as his father, considering it his duty to work towards ever-increasing excellence.

"I am attached to this land because of my roots." Clément Fayat

Saint-Émilion is a wine appellation located in the Bordeaux region of France. It is known for producing some of the finest red wines in the world, with a history dating back to the Roman era.

The style of production in Saint-Émilion is heavily influenced by the region's unique terroir, which is characterized by limestone and clay soils. The grapes grown here are primarily Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, with some Malbec and Petit Verdot also grown in smaller quantities.

The wines produced in Saint-Émilion are typically full-bodied and complex, with rich fruit flavors and a long, smooth finish. They are often described as having a velvety texture, with notes of blackberry, plum, and cherry, as well as hints of spice and oak.

One of the most notable features of Saint-Émilion wines is their aging potential. Many of the top wines from this appellation can be cellared for decades, developing even more complexity and depth over time.

The history of winemaking in Saint-Émilion dates back to the 8th century, when a monk named Emilion settled in the area and began producing wine. Over the centuries, the region's reputation for quality wine grew, and in 1955, Saint-Émilion was officially recognized as an appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC).

Today, there are over 1,000 wine producers in Saint-Émilion, ranging from small family-owned estates to large commercial operations. Many of these producers are committed to sustainable and organic farming practices, ensuring that the region's unique terroir is preserved for future generations.

Overall, Saint-Émilion is a truly exceptional wine appellation, producing some of the finest red wines in the world. Whether you are a seasoned wine connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, a bottle of Saint-Émilion is sure to impress.