Bordeaux Pauillac appellation

Bordeaux is known not only for its rich historical heritage, but also for its famous classification dating from 1885. This official classification makes it a benchmark for winegrowers the world over. The region is home to a plethora of the most famous châteaux and wine estates. It is also the largest producer of appellation wines in France and Europe. In this guide, we'll be looking at the Bordeaux Pauillac appellation. An appellation that brings together prestigious red wines produced by some forty winegrowing estates

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Wine-growing landscape of the Bordeaux Pauillac appellation

The geographical area of the"Pauillac" appellation covers the territory of Pauillac and part of the lands of Cissac-Médoc, Saint-Estèphe, Saint-Julien-Beychevelle and Saint-Sauveur. The appellation has 18 classified growths, representing 85% of the wines produced in the region. The label indicates this classification. The temperate oceanic climate, the late sunshine, the gravelly, stony and sandy soils of the hilltops and the draining properties of the gently sloping terraces all contribute to the production of high-quality red wines. The 1214 ha of plantings are made up of Cabernet Sauvignon mixed with Merlot, but also Petit Verdot, Merlot and Malbec. The style of Pauillac is varied. The Lafite-Rothschild, Latour and Mouton-RothschildPremier Crus each have their own distinctive character, while being full-bodied, rich and unctuous. ThePauillac AOC(appellation d'origine contrôlée) was created in 1936. It alone includes 3 of the 5 premier crus classés of 1855 (Lafite-Rothschild, Latour and Mouton-Rothschild). It is distinguished by the complexity of its aromas, delicacy, elegance and finesse. The tannins become rounder with age, and these wines have remarkable ageing potential. These red wines need time to open up and become fine, sumptuous or very fragrant, while retaining their density and power

Our selection of Pauillac appellation wines

The vineyards of Pauillac are certainly the most illustrious in Bordeaux. Annual production of red wine in the region is 54,000 hl. Mouton-Rothschild also produces white wines

-Lynch-Bages: this château on the Bages plateau, west of the commune of Pauillac, produces elegant Bordeaux wines. The vineyard covers 100 hectares and the average age of the vines is 30 years. The Cazes family, who own the estate, have turned the vineyard into an elegant facility with modern cellars, stainless steel vats and glass roofs. The wines from this terroir have a variety of expressions: they can have sweet fruit aromas with elegant acidity and hints of spice and liquorice, or a ripe tannic texture with an earthy mouthfeel and notes of blackcurrant and dried herbs. All accompanied by silky or supple tannins. You'll find some magnificent bottles in our collection

-Pichon Comtesse: This château, founded in 1689, was taken over by Champagne house Louis Roederer in 2007. The 85-hectare terroir is composed of a bed of gravel on a limestone and clay substratum. The grape varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. This gives the wines a generous, complex palate of black fruit, truffle, blackcurrant, cedar and fruity notes, as well as an elegant nose. These rich, sensual qualities are accompanied by fine balance, density and exceptional longevity. The wine needs time to develop and has a firm, fine tannic structure. To be enjoyed between 15 and 40 years

-Pichon Baron: This château has 73 hectares of vines. It is also one of Bordeaux's most prized brands, highly rated by the international press. The estate underwent a complete renovation after it was bought by AXA Vintages in 1987. The wines from this estate should not be drunk young. They are somewhat powerful and tannic, but reveal impressive aromatic qualities and finesse after a few years of cellaring

-Duhart Milon: this château belonging to the Baron de Rothschild estates comprises 76 hectares of vines. The vineyards are planted with just two grape varieties: Cabernet-sauvignon and Merlot, with an average age of the vines of 30 years. Its wines, classified as 4th growth, are classic Pauillacs, concentrated with a racy palate and spicy finish

-Grand Puy Lacoste: this château in the Pauillac region is classified as the 5th Grand Cru Classé. It is owned by the Borie family. The exceptional estate extends over 90 hectares, including 58 hectares of vines. The average age of the vines is 38 years. This Bordeaux wine has the classic Pauillac style. On tasting, it is fine, full-bodied and tannic, with a juicy palate and great ageing potential. The nose has notes of blackcurrant, cedar, truffle and tobacco

-D'armailhac: this 5th growth château came into the hands of Baron Philippe de Rothschild in the 1930s. The 73-hectare estate is located in the northern part of Pauillac. The terroir consists of deep, gravelly soils, ideal for planting Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is a classic Pauillac, subtle and fine, with good ageing potential and impressive aromatic qualities

-Clerc Milon: this château came into the possession of Baron Philippe in 1970. The estate has 41 hectares of vines situated between Mouton and Lafite on a terroir identical to that of Pauillac. The average age of the vines is 53 years, giving this long-ageing wine a rich, fleshy, well-structured character with well-coated tannins. To find the right brand of wine for your event, visit our dedicated page to select the beverage that will accompany the meal on your table or the spirits that will adorn your bar cabinet!