The smallest of the most important Bordeaux appellations, Pomerol has rightfully earned its place as one of the crucial prestigious AOCs on this area of France. Pomerol invitations exploration, set aside by its concentrate on authenticity. Certainly, there’s a larger focus of smaller, family-owned and operated vineyards, and fewer grand monuments or huge estates. And but the wines from Pomerol are solely gaining in prominence, turning into among the many most sought-after Proper Financial institution reds.
Funding-worthy wines
Situated about 28 miles (45 km) from the middle of Bordeaux within the Nouvelle-Aquitaine area of France, Pomerol covers roughly 1,800 acres (728 ha) on the suitable financial institution of the Dordogne. Most of the area’s 150 wine producers make comparatively modest quantities—round 1,000 circumstances per 12 months—with the perfect vineyards located on the so-called “plateau,” a clay-rich space dotted with pockets of gravel. The vineyards are planted primarily with Merlot, which is well-suited to the terroir, though one additionally encounters Cabernet Franc in blended reds.
Associated: The way to Purchase a Resort or Winery in Bordeaux
“Types fluctuate, from Michel Rolland’s wealthy, full-bodied wines to the extra elegant assortment created by the Moueix household,” says Chris Munro, Head of Division, Wine, at Christie’s London. “The kind of wine produced is commonly a results of choosing dates—the later the grapes are harvested, the extra alcohol and richness within the ensuing wine.”
Older vintages, when you’ll find them, give immense pleasure
For these in seek for stellar châteaux, Munro suggests looking for Petrus (owned by the Moueix household) in addition to Le Pin, Lafleur, La Conseillante, L’Eglise Clinet, and Vieux Château Certan.
“To the north, one can encounter bottles of worth and earlier ingesting home windows—wines akin to Clos René and de Gross sales supply an ideal return on funding. Current basic vintages to discover are 2001 and 1998. Older vintages, when you’ll find them, give immense pleasure. Remember to look out for 1982, 1975, and 1964 once they seem.”
Associated: The way to Retailer Your Wine Assortment Like an Skilled
Munro’s high choose is a Château Lafleur 1996, a six-bottle case of which achieved $2,328 at Christie’s New York on June 15, 2018.
Eating, ingesting, and staying
Although small in scale—Pomerol doesn’t have a central village or city at its core—there isn’t any scarcity of locations to go to in Pomerol and the communes close by.
The encircling space boasts glorious eating places: three have at the very least one Michelin star. Visitors of the two-star La Desk de Plaisance on the Hostellerie de Plaisance in Saint-Émilion are handled to the fragile, technical prowess of chef Ronan Kervarrec, whose Breton origins are blended with the superior Aquitaine produce to create one thing magical. There’s a picturesque terrace overlooking Saint-Émilion’s cobbled streets and tiled roofs for an apéritif, than transfer inside to the elegant eating room for the meal itself.
Associated: Learn All You Have to Know About Burgundy
Not starred, however fairly presumably probably the most visually pleasing, is La Terrasse Rouge at Château La Dominique, a brooding Jean Nouvel-designed restaurant with a roof terrace. And La Desk de Catusseau, set amid the châteaux of Pomerol, is run by chef-owner Kendji Wongsodikromo and his spouse, Nadège. A easy open stonework eating room belies Wongsodikromo’s expertise within the kitchen, the place he makes market-fresh elements into dishes impressed by his native New Caledonia, north of New Zealand.
Associated: The way to Construct the Excellent Wine Cellar
The best lodging within the Bordeaux area may be discovered at Les Sources de Caudalie, a spa property that appears moderately like a rustic village, clustered round a lake and surrounded by vines. Inside the rustic-style buildings are the Caudalie Vinothérapie spa, the place pioneering grape-based therapies are supplied; the two-Michelin-starred La Grand’Vigne, run by world-renowned chef Nicolas Masse; the extra casual La Desk du Lavoir bistro; the Rouge wine bar; and the French Paradox lounge.
Dwelling in Bordeaux
Past investing within the wine itself, there are alternatives to amass winery properties within the Bordeaux AOC, together with these with gear, winemakers, and advertising groups in place.
Michael Baynes, co-founder of Vineyards-Bordeaux, the unique affiliate of Christie’s Worldwide Actual Property within the area, says the world instantly adjoining to Saint-Émilion and Pomerol is especially fascinating.
“These small appellations are recognized collectively because the satellites of Saint-Émilion. Their geography and microclimates are nearly an identical to Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, and so they even co-opt these well-known phrases into their names; for instance Lalande de Pomerol or Montagne Saint-Émilion. In the intervening time they’re undervalued, however on the transfer.”
