Plan a tailor-made experience on Bordeaux’s Right Bank with our local experts.
Pomerol is close to but very different from, Saint Emilion. By its size, its soils and its classification, or lack of, it is unique. Here, there is no written hierarchy to follow - you either know who the stars are, or you don't. After a Pomerol wine tour, you will not only be acquainted with the famous names but also uncover the hidden treasures of the region.
This small appellation on the right bank of the Dordogne River covers less than 850 ha but has almost 150 vineyards -it is a mosaic of small producers. Some are old, some new; in this very prestigious region, you will discover everything from tiny 'garage wines' to ultra-modern cellars, small farms and a few majestic properties. The rich history of Pomeral wine dates back to the Romans and its importance grew in the middle ages as the Knights Hospitalier welcomed pilgrims here on their way to Spain.
The clay, sand and gravel soils give complexity to the Merlot-driven wines produced here. There is a particular type of blue clay at the heart of the plateau of Pomerol, which together with a hard iron pan in the subsoil leads to powerful and concentrated expressions of Merlot. This iron element gives the characteristic truffle aromas associated with these wines as they age. Pomerol wine tasting is an experience that reveals these rich, earthy flavors that have become iconic.
Some visitors may overlook Merlot, focusing instead on the Cabernet-driven wines of the left bank. But that would be a big mistake. Pomerol winery experiences will change your perception of Merlot, as you discover just how powerful and elegant these wines can be. Pomerol may be small, but it is undeniably beautiful—a high plateau running down towards the wooded Barbanne stream to the north, and to the outskirts of the port town of Libourne to the west. With some of Bordeaux’s most famous and expensive names, such as Petrus, Le Pin, and Clinet, a visit to this region will not only expand your understanding of Pomerol wine but will also redefine your vision of Bordeaux itself. You will be blown away by the elegance and power of these wines.