Pauillac French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Pauillac is often considered the heart of the Médoc, home to three of Bordeaux's five First Growths and the benchmark for powerful, long-lived Cabernet Sauvignon.
More info about Pauillac
Geographic position
Southwestern France, in the Gironde, on the left bank of the Gironde estuary about 50 km north of Bordeaux, between Saint-Julien to the south and Saint-Estèphe to the north.
Origin & history
Once a small fishing port, Pauillac grew rich in the 18th century as the Médoc's great estates were developed. In the 1855 Classification it received 18 classed growths, including the First Growths Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour and, since 1973, Château Mouton Rothschild. The AOC was created in 1936.
Wines & grape varieties
Red wine only, dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Expect blackcurrant, cedar, pencil shavings, tobacco and firm, majestic tannins with decades of ageing potential.
Climate & soil
Temperate oceanic climate moderated by the estuary. Deep gravel ridges over clay and limestone provide excellent drainage and warmth.
Wine region: Bordeaux
Grape varieties: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot