LCC

    Terroir

    AOC POMEROL, ONE OF BORDEAUX’S SMALLEST APPELLATIONS

    Located in the Libourne wine-growing region, Pomerol is one of the region’s smallest appellations, with around 800 hectares of vines and 7,500 vines per hectare. The majority of producers work as a family, and have, on average, a vineyard estate of 6 hectares. The properties (houses surrounded by vines) are generally less impressive than in the Médoc, but the quality of the wine is no less.

    Despite its small size, AOC Pomerol has considerable assets: a very rich soil composed mainly of clay, gravel and sand, but also iron oxide, known as crasse de fer, which makes the terroir special; and a temperate climate that allows the vines to develop successfully.

    THE BIRTH OF WINEGROWING
    IN POMEROL MARKED BY THE ROMANS

    Dating back to Gallo-Roman times, the vineyards were replanted in the 12th century when the Order of the Hospitallers of St John of Jerusalem (now the Order of the Knights of Malta) settled in Pomerol.

    Pilgrims could thus enjoy a convivial place to eat and quench their thirst with wine. The vineyard was replanted in the 18th century following its destruction during the Hundred Years’ War.

    At that time, Pomerol was often confused with Saint-Emilion, as the identity of the appellation was less recognised.

    AN EMERGENCE IN THE 19TH CENTURY
    THANKS TO THE WINE TRADE.

    In the 19th century, the vineyards were redesigned and renewed, with a predominance of Merlot, following the phylloxera crisis. Since then, Pomerol’s reputation has grown steadily, thanks in particular to the development of transport (the Paris-Libourne railway line in 1851) and the arrival of families from Correze and Belgium specialising in the wine trade between the wars and after 1945.

    Thanks to its proximity to the town of Libourne, trade in Pomerol wines developed via the port of Libourne, which for a long time was regarded as a crossroads with Europe.

    In the 1900s, the winegrowers decided to create a wine and agricultural union to promote the Pomerol appellation. At the end of the 1920s, the appellation was demarcated, then recognised in 1936. The specifications for the appellation were revised several decades later.

    AN APPELLATION WITH THE WIND IN ITS SAILS

    Although the Pomerol appellation does not have an official classification, it is now as well known as its neighbouring appellations and has become one of the most famous in the world. A number of unofficial classifications have already been established, with Château La Croix du Casse sometimes being listed in the 2nd category.
    In Pomerol, some of the great châteaux are world-famous, such as Château Pétrus, a must-see for wine lovers and professionals alike.

    A VINEYARD WITH GREAT POTENTIAL SOUTH OF POMEROL

    Situated in the commune of Catusseau, to the south of Pomerol, to the east of the town of Libourne, and just a few kilometres from Châteaux Figeac and Cheval Blanc, the 9.5 hectare vineyard of Château La Croix du Casse is planted with 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc.

    Made up of vines with an average age of 35 years, the single vineyard is planted on a terrace of ancient gravel and sand with an underlayer of iron dirt.

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