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 red 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

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