AOC Pomerol

From château to château, Bordeaux is a fascinating region and Pomerol is one of its most beautiful appellations. Indeed, who has never heard of Petrus, the world-renowned château, which highlighted the quality of the red wine of the AOC Pomerol? Highly appreciated throughout the world, the wines of Pomerol enjoy the same reputation as the great classified growths of Bordeaux. Follow our guide and discover through its history, its terroir and its grape varieties everything you need to know about the wines of the AOC Pomerol appellation. Also read our advice for creating the best food and wine pairings with Pomerol.

What is the history of the Pomerol vineyard?

An old vineyard in the Bordeaux region and the Libournais sub-region, the Pomerol vineyard has been producing wine since antiquity. Indeed, planted by the Romans and then prospering thanks to the Hospitallers of Saint-Jean-de-Jérusalem, the Pomerol vineyard has experienced a global boom since the success of its most prestigious château: Petrus. Even if, unlike its neighbor Saint-Émilion, it does not have a classification, the AOC Pomerol appellation is at the same level as the greatest classified growths of Bordeaux.

Climate and terroir of the AOC Pomerol appellation

The Pomerol vineyard has an exceptional terroir, on terraces above the Isle (a tributary of the Dordogne), of less than 800 hectares. Although located a few kilometers from Saint-Émilion, Pomerol stands out from its neighbor, particularly by its soil. With a temperate oceanic climate and sandy-clay, gravelly, clay and blue clay soils, the Pomerol terroir is ideal for growing Merlot.

The main grape varieties of the AOC Pomerol appellation

The AOC Pomerol appellation only produces red wines made mainly from Merlot, which can be blended with other grape varieties such as Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec (Côt) and Petit Verdot. Among the main ones:

• Merlot: emblematic red grape variety of the Bordeaux vineyard and particularly of the Pomerol appellation, Merlot is a round and fruity grape variety with aromas of black and red fruits, and undergrowth.
• Cabernet Franc: red grape variety with notes of blackcurrant, violet and spices that brings structure and finesse to the blends of Bordeaux wines.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: powerful and structured red grape variety, it brings notes of black fruits, liquorice and menthol to Pomerol wines.

What is the style of Pomerol wines?

The AOC Pomerol appellation produces powerful and tender red wines at the same time. On the nose, Pomerol wines seduce with their aromas of black and red fruits, cocoa, plums and vanilla. After a few years in the cellar, Pomerol wine develops a bouquet of great complexity with notes of undergrowth, dried fruits, leather and truffle. On the palate, Pomerol is a wine that combines power and roundness, with present but velvety tannins. These characteristics allow AOC Pomerol wines to be appreciated both in their youth and after long aging.

The best food and wine pairings with Pomerol

Pomerol wines are renowned for their versatility and their ability to brilliantly accompany most dishes based on red meat or game. Here are some ideas for dishes to accompany a nice bottle of a château in AOC Pomerol:

• Country terrine with porcini mushrooms
• Beef fillet with duck foie gras (Rossini tournedos style)
• Duck breast with mushrooms
• Grilled rib of beef
• Roast beef with truffle sauce
• Squabs stuffed with foie gras

On Avenue des vins, each vintage is selected with the greatest care and your bottles are available for delivery to your home, directly from the estate or château of your choice. Whether you choose a vintage of wine from a château in AOC Pomerol or any other appellation in France, discover our bottles at the best price and have your case of wine delivered directly to your home!

Small Holdings and Corrèze Merchants in Pomerol

What Is the Average Size of a Pomerol Holding?

A Pomerol holding averaged about 15 acres (six hectares) in 2009, when the appellation had 140 of them. The Bordeaux wine council now lists 138 growers in AOC Pomerol. As elsewhere around Libourne, a few larger properties stand alongside these small farms.

What Role Did Merchants from Corrèze Play in Pomerol?

Merchants from Corrèze brought Pomerol to buyers in northern France, then in Belgium. They had left their poor home region of Corrèze to go into the wine trade around Libourne, and the Libourne-Paris railroad carried their sales. Many went on to buy estates in the appellation.

How Did Merlot Come to Dominate Pomerol?

Merlot came to dominate Pomerol after phylloxera, in the late 19th century, because grafting made its yields more regular. It was already planted there in 1761: a report drawn up that year describes a vineyard of white grapes replanted within eight years with Cot (Malbec), Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

Where Can You Buy Pomerol Direct from the Winemaker?

You can buy Pomerol direct from the winemaker on Avenue des Vins. Every wine’s page gives the name of its producer.

See also: AOC Fronsac - Bordeaux Red Wines - AOC Bordeaux