Pomerol

Pomerol is deceptively modest. It’s not filled with grand Châteaux like the Médoc, it’s not a picture-perfect tourist destination like Saint-Émilion, and it doesn’t have a classification system. Yet it’s home to some of the most expensive wines in the world. What makes Pomerol unique are its layers of dense, impermeable blue clay soils lying beneath a limestone crust.

History of Pomerol wine

Pomerol is one of the youngest appellations in Bordeaux, though it doesn’t feel that way. While neighboring regions gained fame centuries ago, Pomerol remained quiet and under the radar. Its reputation only began to rise in the 19th and 20th centuries. Legendary names such as Château Pétrus, Le Pin, and Lafleur put Pomerol on the global map. Its fame never came from size—Pomerol is tiny. Instead, it comes from its soils and the wines that manage to combine richness with softness. Today, Pomerol stands among the most sought-after regions worldwide, even though its total production is only a fraction of that from the Médoc.

Vineyards in Pomerol

Visiting Pomerol feels different from other Bordeaux areas. You won’t see endless rows of majestic castles. Instead, vineyards spread around the village, often next to simple farmhouses. The focus here is the vine and the soil. Pomerol covers only about 800 hectares, making it very small in Bordeaux terms. Merlot dominates the plantings, often more than 70%. Cabernet Franc and a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon complete the mix. Together, they create full-bodied wines with velvety textures and depth. What’s fascinating is how even the smallest estates have a distinct character. Each vineyard reflects its own soil variation, giving Pomerol a wide range of expressions.

Climate and soils of Pomerol

The climate is classic Bordeaux: temperate, with Atlantic influence. Winters are mild, summers never extreme. Perfect for Merlot, which thrives here. But the real treasure lies underground. The soils are a mix of clay, sand, and gravel, each adding something different to the wines. The famous blue clay, found in certain elevated parcels, produces concentrated and powerful wines with great aging potential. On the other hand, sandy soils yield lighter, more elegant styles. This diversity makes Pomerol special, despite its small size.

Facts about Pomerol

• Pomerol is the smallest appellation in Bordeaux.
• There is no official classification system, unlike Médoc or Saint-Émilion.
• Some of the most famous wines come from very small vineyards.
• Despite its fame, the area has kept a quiet, village-like atmosphere.
• Merlot reaches one of its finest expressions here.

Château Pétrus: the icon of Pomerol

When people think of Pomerol, they think of Château Pétrus. This tiny estate, with less than 12 hectares of vines, has become a worldwide symbol of exclusivity. Almost entirely planted with Merlot, its wines are powerful yet silky, with incredible longevity. See our selection of Château Pétrus wines here. The estate may look modest, but its reputation is unmatched.

Order Pomerol wine online?

At Grandcruwijnen, you’ll find a wide range of Pomerol wines. All are stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse to ensure perfect preservation. When ordering online, you can also choose to pick up your wines in Dordrecht. Select ‘Afhalen’ at checkout and you’ll immediately see the discount applied. That way, you enjoy not only exceptional wines but also a nice benefit.