Already recognized for the quality of its wines in Roman times, Pomerol is the smallest appellation in Bordeaux. With châteaux of international renown, it produces a limited quantity of wines, prized for their unique personality and highly sought-after character.
Location and vineyard area
The Pomerol vineyard is located in the Libournais, east of Bordeaux. It extends mainly over the commune of Pomerol and partly over Libourne, between Saint-Émilion to the east and Libourne to the southwest. With an area of about 800 hectares, it is among the smallest appellations in Bordeaux.
A precious historical heritage
Viticulture in Pomerol dates back to Roman times. After periods of abandonment, notably during the Hundred Years' War, the vine regained its momentum in the 17th and 18th centuries, driven by the development of trade in Libourne and the arrival of the railway. At the end of the 19th century, phylloxera forced a majority replanting with Merlot. The creation of the Wine Syndicate in 1900 structured the appellation, whose boundaries were officially set at the beginning of the 20th century.
Everything you need to know about the terroir
An exceptional terroir The vineyard rests on a plateau that descends in terraces toward the Isle valley, at the confluence of the Dordogne. It is bounded to the north by the Barbanne stream, to the east by Saint-Émilion, and to the southwest by Libourne. The soils, composed of gravels and clays, have the particularity of harboring iron oxides in the subsoil, locally called "crasse de fer." This diversity, also mixing sands and clays, favors the expression of Merlot and gives the wines their unique character.
A climate offering remarkable conditions
The temperate oceanic climate, with mild winters, warm summers and well-distributed rainfall, creates ideal conditions for the vine.
Grape varieties and cultural practices
Merlot dominates (about 80%), complemented by Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot brings roundness and opulence, while Cabernet Franc adds freshness and complexity. Yields are controlled and cultural practices often remain traditional.
Winemaking and aging
Winemaking is classic, with fermentation in stainless steel or concrete tanks then aging in oak barrels, with the proportion of new wood varying according to the châteaux. The objective is to preserve the aromatic richness and structure of the wines, while promoting their aging potential.
The style of Pomerol wines
Pomerol wines, exclusively red, are distinguished by their deep color and complex nose of ripe red fruits, truffle, violet and undergrowth. On the palate, they are round, full, with silky tannins. Merlot brings opulence and velvetiness, Cabernet Franc freshness and elegance.
The emblematic châteaux of the appellation
Pomerol houses some of the most mythical and prestigious estates in the Bordeaux vineyard, including Château Pétrus, Château Le Pin, Château Lafleur, Château La Conseillante, Château Trotanoy and Château Clinet. These emblematic properties produce exceptional wines, renowned for their rarity, complexity and remarkable aging capacity.
Food and wine pairings
Pomerol wines pair perfectly with red meats, game, porcini risottos, terrines, as well as with certain cheeses. Their velvety texture and complexity make them ideal partners for refined gastronomy.
Aging potential
The great wines of Pomerol offer excellent aging potential. Endowed with a beautiful tannic structure, they can age for several decades, developing over time aromas of truffle, leather and undergrowth, while maintaining their characteristic elegance.
