One of Bordeaux's biggest names, the Pomerol appellation and region is arguably the figurehead of the region's so-called "Right Bank", Merlot-based wines.
Pomerol is a much-respected red wine appellation in the Bordeaux region of southwestern France, known for its red wines based on Merlot. Many command very high prices.
Currently the most searched-for wine on our database is Petrus.
Unclassified but highly prized
Both historically and physically, Pomerol stands apart from other Bordeaux appellations. It does not conform to the accepted image of a Bordeaux wine district with a long-established, château-laden area, boasting an all-important (if slightly outdated) classification system.
Pomerol is none of these things, yet has managed to earn itself a place among the world's most revered wine region.
Pomerol has no formalized wine classification system (as do the Médoc, Graves, Sauternes and Saint-Émilion), and has risen to its current glory in a relatively short space of time. While the appellation was barely acknowledged in the middle of the last century, wines like Pétrus and Le Pin (note the lack of the "château" title) now command higher prices than many cru classé properties in the long-established Médoc.
Pomerol's place in the international wine world is secure for some time to come, given the continuing increase in demand for prestigious wines and the limited production of this small, quality-focused appellation.
Grape varieties
Merlot is the dominant grape in Pomerol and plays a large part in making the wines rich, smooth and approachable at an early age, while also being capable of extended aging. Cabernet Franc is also often present, adding structure and an element of savory spice.
The prevalence of Merlot has its risks for Pomerol, as it does for neighboring Saint-Émilion. Merlot is an early-flowering variety and is susceptible to spring frosts. In the season of 1991, for example, spring frost damaged a large proportion of Pomerol's vines. In fact this only served to increase the market value, where demand already far outweighed supply.
Location
Pomerol is located in the east of the Bordeaux region, near Saint-Émilion, in the area known as the Libournais – the town of Libourne sits just to the south of Pomerol. While most appellations are named after a village or town within their boundaries, Pomerol has no such focal point.
It is an unchanging 800-hectare (2000-acre) gravel bank, which rises and falls by only 20 meters (65ft). The total vineyard area of the appellation covers approximately 792 hectares (1957 acres).
Soils
The south and west of the appellation have sandier soils compared to the slightly heavier soils in the east. The latter include a certain proportion of clay.
It is in this eastern section, on the marginally higher land where Pomerol meets Saint-Émilion, that the best wines are produced. Three of the most highly regarded Pomerol producers – châteaux Pétrus, Lafleur and Le Pin – are located here.
Tasting notes: "The contact with the fine lees and the oak tannins gradually adds structure and complexity, enabling the production of wines that can be laid down and that will improve over time. Their sumptuous generosity offers a wide aromatic range of red and black fruit which harmonizes with their intense crimson or garnet red colour. They typically offer hints of plum, chocolate, coffee or liquorice, with aromas of almonds, toast, tobacco and vanilla, and a minty freshness. With maturity they develop a spicy nose, with a hint of truffles, notes of undergrowth, game, fur and leather"
Origin：Pomerol, Bordeaux, France
Type：Red Wine
Grapes : Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc
Alcohol : 13.5%
Bottle Size： 750ml
