#14. Pomerol AOC

• Main varieties: merlot (80 %), cabernet franc, cabernet-sauvignon, malbec
• Like all grands terroirs, Pomerol too was born out of the work of the river Isle which extends south from the Massif central
• The river dismantled the limestone table depositing layers of pebbles, later worked by erosion, resulting in a tangle of graves or pebbles
• Typically small-sized producers, Pomerol is home to Château Pétrus, Château La Croix and several other world reknowned vineyards
• 4 main terrains of Pomerol: (1) south towards Libourne, a sandy area, (2) near Saint-Emilion, on the graves, sand or clay (soil close to the plateau of Figeac); (3) the center of the AOC, graves or sometimes under clay soil (Petrus) and (4) northeast and northwest, finer graves and more sandy.
• Wines with excellent structure, good bouquet, roundness and good length of mouthfeel
• Aging potential: 7-20 years

#3. Saint-Estèphe AOC

• Left Bank of the Gironde Estuary, south of Medoc (#1 in map below)
• Vines cultivated here since Roman times. Also salt marshes, similar to Haut-Medoc (#2), and later converted into vineyards by the early Dutch settlers wanting to do business with the British
• Soils of Gravel, clay and sand (sol de grave). Contain slightly higher proportion of clay in St. Estephe than in other Medoc appellations.
• More temperate climate due to proximity to the Garonne river
• Main varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
• All 5 crus classés can be found in this appellation
• The terroir enhances the character of the wine, making it high in acidity, more intense color & rich in tannins
• Aging potential: 10-20 years (could go up to 30 for select vintages)
• Powerful, expressive wines