Due to its proximity to its prestigious neighbouring AOC Lalande-de-Pomerol gained well-deserved recognition. Its terraces make it a terroir worthy of its ambitions.
The AOC Lalande-de-Pomerol is composed of successive terraces covering the two communes of Lalande, quite flat, and Néac, quite hilly. One hundred and ninety-two producers create wines that proudly display the word Pomeral on this AOC's label.
The soil in this Appellation is an ideal mix of clay, stones and even sand in the western part, close to the river.
In Néac, the clay can even be found deep in the ground, which lends a wonderful dimension to Merlot. Because of this, Lalande-de-Pomerol has become a rising Appellation, which is increasingly sought after.
Merlot accounts for 80% of the vines planted, along with Cabernet Franc at 15%.
The Lalande-de-Pommerol wines have a unique very dark ruby-garnet colour, due to their Merlot base. Their very distinct and expressive nose, with notes of small red berries (red current, strawberry, cherry, raspberry), develops notes of plums, leather, game and even coco when aged in oak barrels.
With a frank and solid attack in the mouth, the Lalande-de-Pomerols have tight tannins, that are always velvety and never hard, another characteristic of Merlot. In blind tastings some wines are even reminiscent of those from neighbouring Saint-Emilion or Pomerol.
Average yearly production: 50 732 Hl
Surface declared (2009): 1 138 ha
Visit the Lalande-de-Pomerol AOC’s web site.
