The Pomerol appellation

Pomerol is a red wine with a controlled designation of origin produced in the commune of Pomerol. The appellation is particularly renowned for the famous Petrus, Lafleur, Gazin, La Conseillante, etc. The Pomerol appellation only produces red wines and Merlot is the predominant grape variety in the wines.

History

It was in the 12th century that the Order of the Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem set up a hospice serving as a stopover for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Among the destructions of the Hundred Years’ War, the vineyard had its beginnings in the Middle Ages. After the destruction caused by phylloxera at the end of the 19th century, the winegrowers replanted the vineyard with mainly Merlot. In 1900, the Pomerol wine and agricultural union was created, in 1928 the limits of the appellation were set and in 2011, the specifications were the subject of a new edition.

The vineyard is in Gironde, in the Bordeaux region, on the right bank of the Dordogne. It extends along the edge of the Saint Emilion plateau. It covers 785 hectares.

Climate of the appellation

The climate of the Pomerol appellation is oceanic, warm enough to allow the cultivation of vines. Rainfall is distributed evenly throughout the year. The temperatures allow for mild winters and hot summers without drought.

Grape varieties

The main grape varieties are Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cot, Merlot and Petit Verdot.

Food and wine pairings

Pomerols pair very well with grilled red meats such as beef and lamb, or with game and feathers such as venison, wild boar, hare, pheasant, partridge and duck.

Ranking

There is no official classification of Pomerol wines. A few authors and sites have attempted a classification but none has ever become official. The wine that always comes out on top is the famous Petrus.