Lalande-de-Pomerol

Only red wines are classified under the Lalande de Pomerol AOP. They are made predominantly from Merlot, but may also contain Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. As with most of the Right Bank appellations, the approachability of Merlot makes these wines very popular to the modern palette.

The two main villages of the appellation are Lalande-de-Pomerol and Néac. The vineyards around Néac are planted on soils that have components of clay and gravel. Gravel soils are a distinctive feature of the vineyards in Pomerol. Merlot grows more successfully on this type of soil. It is here that the better Lalande-de-Pomerol wines are produced. The soils around Lalande are sandier and more alluvial in nature (being closer to the Isle and Dordogne rivers). This leads to a greater concentration of Cabernet grapes, which prefer free-draining soils.

The Barbanne stream separates Pomerol from Lalande de Pomerol. This is the same stream that divides Saint-Émilion to the south-east from its less-prestigious satellite appellations. Rivers are of great significance in this part of Bordeaux. They define appellation boundaries, moderating the climate and dictating the make-up of the region’s soils.

The stellar success of Pomerol has stimulated viticultural activity and much new investment in Lalande-de-Pomerol. Still great value and appealing to the younger consumer.