Bordeaux Wine Basics - Pomerol Wine Region

Pomerol is the smallest of the famous Bordeaux wine regions, comprising an area of 3 x 4 kilometres (about 1/7 the size of St. Emilion) or about 800 hectare. The entire region only produces around 350,000 cases a year and around 150 different wineries

Wines have been produced in the Pomerol region since the 16th century but at that time, it was mostly white wines. Eventually white wine production was phased out and more red wines were produced in the region starting around the mid 1800s. At that time, Pomerol was still part of the St. Emilion region and the region was only recognized as a distinct region in 1923 and given AOC status in 1936 (when white wine production was outlawed). Consequently, almost all wines produced from Pomerol are red wines.

About 80% of vineyards in Pomerol are planted with Merlot grapes. Historically, Pomerol was dominated by the Bouchet or Cabernet Franc grape. But in 1956, frost killed large portion of Cabernet Franc vines. The government gave incentives to vineyards to replant Merlot, which are hardier than Cabernet Franc.

A 1943 comparative price list commissioned by the Vichy government listed only Pétrus, Vieux Château Certan and Château La Conseillante as commanding prices in line with at least 3rd growth wines at that time.

Prior to the 1980s, the winemaking styles of Pomerol was heavy influenced by oenologist Émile Peynaud. However his work was mostly with Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and his techniques tended to make Pomerol wines more tannic and austere compared to the style of Pomerol wines today.

Jean Pierre Moueix (Christian Moueix's father) was instrumental in the popularization of this region. He purchased Trotanoy and La Fleur Petrus in the early 1950s and then Chateau Lagrange in 1959. In 1964, he acquired a majority interest in Petrus. Now their family also owns Chateau La Grave, Latour a Pomerol and Hosanna

In the 1980's, Michel Rolland, who was born in the Pomerol region, was also very instrumental in the popularization of this region. His family owned Château Le Bon Pasteur. He delayed harvest as much as possible to give the grapes a long, extended hang time which produced over ripe grapes that packed with flavor and have higher alcohol content than traditional Bordeaux wines.

The region has continental climate and diurnal temperature variation. Pomerol producers are always concerned about rain during the harvest season, which may cause rot since the clay soils in Pomerol retain water. Very hot vintages (such as 2003 and 2009) can create over-ripe so Pomerol wines tend to fare better during cooler years (such as 2006 and 2008).

Pomerol lies on an area with the most blue clay in the world and Petrus is the winery that has the most vineyards on blue clay. This area is only about 20 hectares (50 acres) and very unique. Wineries that have blue clay soil include Château La Conseillante, Château L"Évangile, Château Lafleur, Château Gazin, Château Trotanoy,Château Clinet, Château le Gay, Château Haut Ferrand and Vieux Château Certan. Supposedly, there is a second area that contains blue clay without iron deposits that is located northwest of Chateau Petrus. Wineries with vineyards in this area include Château L'Église-Clinet, Château Trotanoy, Château Clos L'Église, Château La Cabanne and Château Nenin

A couple of corrections/clarifications:

1. I mispronounced Le Pin....I think it should be Le Pan but I got it right in my Le Pin review (upcoming)
2. In the video, I refer to Jean Pierre Moueix. Mr. Moueix passed away in 2003 so when I mention his wineries, I am talking about this family and his son, Christian Moueix