Découvrez nos millésimes Vins de Pomerol

Pomerol, an Appellation Nestled in the Heart of Bordeaux

Among the jewels of the Bordeaux vineyards, the Pomerol appellation holds a unique place. Though small in size, it is immense in reputation. It produces some of the world’s most sought-after red wines such as Pétrus, Le Pin, and La Conseillante.

An Appellation with Ancient Origins

Viticulture in Pomerol dates back to the Gallo-Roman era. However, it was in the 12th century that the vineyard experienced a decisive turning point with the arrival of the Order of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem.

Despite the devastation of the Hundred Years’ War and several periods of abandonment, the vineyard flourished again in the 17th and 18th centuries, thanks to the development of transport routes for export, including the railway and the nearby port of Libourne.

After the phylloxera crisis, the iconic Merlot grape was massively replanted, becoming Pomerol’s signature varietal. The creation of the Wine Syndicate in 1900 helped structure the appellation, whose official boundaries were established in the 20th century.

Pomerol, Discreet and Coveted

Pomerol is located east of Bordeaux, near the Saint-Émilion appellation. The vineyard covers almost 800 hectares. The wine estates are small in scale, often run by family groups passed down through generations.

Unlike Saint-Émilion (1955) or Médoc (1855), Pomerol has no official classification. Nevertheless, the appellation and its wines have naturally earned an enviable reputation, especially from the second half of the 20th century. The legendary Pétrus 1945 vintage graced the tables of Kennedy and Queen Elizabeth II, bearing witness to its prestige.

Many Pomerol châteaux are now global benchmarks, sought after by passionate collectors and highly acclaimed by wine critics worldwide. Notable estates include Pétrus, Château L'Église Clinet, Château La Violette, Château Le Pin, Château Trotanoy, Château L'Évangile, and Vieux Château Certan.

The Inimitable Signature of Pomerol Wines

The wines produced in Pomerol are predominantly red. They are distinguished by their deep color, complex bouquet, and unmatched texture. Aromas typically include red and black fruits, ripe berries, truffle, violet, along with earthy and forest floor notes.

On the palate, Pomerol wines impress with their balance — powerful, silky, and elegant, with very fine tannins and a rich, smooth texture. These wines are delightful in their youth but gain remarkable complexity, emotion, and depth with age.

Pomerol’s Rare Terroir

The vines of Pomerol are planted on unique terraces of sandy-gravel and clay soils, notable for the presence of “blue clay” or crasse de fer. This distinctive soil allows for excellent water retention and regulation, even in times of drought, providing a crucial advantage for the vines.

Pomerol’s terroir offers the Merlot grape an unparalleled stage for expression: roundness, power, elegance, richness, and depth. Merlot’s indulgent character is often blended with Cabernet Franc, adding freshness, structure, and complexity.

Pomerol’s Climate

Pomerol enjoys a temperate oceanic climate, with some continental influence due to its slightly inland position from the Atlantic coast. Winters are mild and increasingly rainy, summers moderately warm, with rainfall relatively well distributed, though autumn can be quite wet.

Pomerol, a Great Bordeaux Wine

Winemaking in Pomerol follows the traditions of classic Bordeaux vinification. Fermentation is typically carried out in stainless steel or concrete vats, sometimes in wooden vats for micro-oxygenation, with precise temperature control. The wines are then aged in French oak barrels for 12 to 18 months, with the proportion of new oak varying by estate and vintage. This maturation phase is key for refining tannins, stabilizing aromas, broadening aromatic complexity, and preparing the wines for long-term aging.