Lalande-de-Pomerol French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Lalande-de-Pomerol is Pomerol's northern neighbour on Bordeaux's Right Bank, producing round, generous Merlot-based reds with real Pomerol character at a more accessible price.
More info about Lalande-de-Pomerol
Geographic position
Southwestern France, in the Gironde, just north of Pomerol and Libourne across the small Barbanne stream, covering the communes of Lalande-de-Pomerol and Néac, about 30 km northeast of Bordeaux.
Origin & history
In the 12th century the Knights Hospitaller of Saint John built a church and hospice here for pilgrims on the road to Santiago de Compostela, and they planted the first vineyards. The AOC was created in 1936; the neighbouring commune of Néac joined it in 1954. Several Pomerol estates also own vineyards here.
Wines & grape varieties
Red wine only, mainly Merlot with Cabernet Franc and some Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Expect plum, black cherry, cocoa, soft tannins and a velvety finish; best from 4 to 12 years.
Climate & soil
Temperate oceanic climate. Gravel and sand over clay in the south, near Pomerol, and more clay-gravel and sandy soils further north.
Wine region: Bordeaux
Grape varieties: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot