AOC Pomerol is located in the Libourne region on the right bank of the Dordogne, just upstream from its confluence with the Isle. Its vineyards are favoured by their proximity to the town of Libourne, which has had a port for exporting wines since 1269. Today, the Pomerol appellation comprises around 800 hectares and 140 producers with an average of 6 hectares, producing 31,000 hectolitres of red wine a year.
Despite its small size, it is made up of rich and varied terroirs: blue clay, pure clay, gravel on clay, sand, gravel on sand, iron oxides (also known as “crasse de fer”), enabling it to produce wines of excellence.
The development of the vineyards began in the 12th century, when the Order of the Hospitallers of St John of Jerusalem set up a hospice in Pomerol for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela.
At the time, the hospice in Pomerol was renowned for its hospitality and the quality and virtues of its wine. Destroyed during the Hundred Years’ War, the vineyards were replanted in the mid-18th century, with red grape varieties (Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc) replacing the white varieties.
At that time, Pomerol wines were not very well known.
At the end of the 19th century, following the phylloxera crisis, the vineyards were replanted, mainly with Merlot. The reputation of Pomerol wines improved, as did sales, thanks in particular to the immigration of people from Correze and the construction of the Paris-Libourne railway line.
During this period, Corréziens were buying estates and promoting their wines in France and abroad.
Unlike the Médoc, Graves, Pessac-Léognan and Saint-Émilion appellations, this appellation has no official classification, but is recognised in the same way as its neighbours.
As with all the Bordeaux appellations, the climate is favourable to the development of the vines: it is temperate and fairly warm, with an even distribution of rainfall.
In Pomerol, Merlot is the main grape variety, but is accompanied by other Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon (8%), Cabernet Franc (10%) and Malbec (2%).
Located in the commune of Pomerol, in the shadow of the church tower, and less than two kilometres from the famous Château Pétrus, the 7-hectare vineyard of Château du Domaine de l’Église is mainly planted with Merlot (95%), with a touch of Cabernet Franc (5%).
The vines, with an average age of 40 years, thrive in the rich terroir of the Pomerol appellation on soils of gravel, clay and iron dross.
