Pauillac

History of Pauillac

Pauillac, like its neighbouring present-day appellations, was once unfarmable marshland. Within the historical region of Aquitaine, it has been well known that the area is prime estate for growing wine grapes since the age of the Ancient Romans. However, the first vineyards in Bordeaux were not planted in the Medoc but in the Right Bank, where marshes were not a problem.

Although scattered vineyards have existed in Pauillac since the 13th century, when Dutch merchant companies, who dominated the wine trade in the 17th century, drained the marshes, the Medoc became suitable for growing grapes on a large scale. Once the underlying soil was exposed, clay, sand, and gravel patches were ideal to plant the area’s most esteemed vineyards.

The proximity to the city of Bordeaux and its port gave Pauillac and a few other wine regions an advantage over other wine-producing areas and by the mid-1800s, the Medoc was the single most important source of fine wine, mainly for the English market. Emperor Napoleon III requested a classification system for the 1855 Exposition Universelle de Paris, which resulted in Pauillac having the most considerable number of First Growths. This classification is still relevant today.

The Grapes in Pauillac

Pauillac produces red wine exclusively. The art of blending wine grapes is typical, resulting in balanced wines that combine the strengths of diverse grapes. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most planted varietal in Pauillac, with nearly approximately 62% of the 1,200 hectares of vines planted. Since Cabernet Sauvignon grapevines perform best in gravel soils, it is only natural that the gravel-rich region capitalises on the world’s most famous red grape.

Merlot follows with around 30% of the planted area. The rest is planted with Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.

Cabernet grapes produce concentrated wine with noticeable tannins, providing Pauillac’s wines with a solid structure. Merlot brings fruit aromas and roundness to the blend, while Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc are sparsely used to add extra layers of flavour and aroma. The result is wine that will develop for decades, often too robust to drink young.

Every producer in the Medoc has its recipe; some rely heavily on Merlot, while others produce Cabernet-heavy wines. The percentage of Merlot and Cabernet can also vary depending on the vintage; the grapes ripen at different rates, and are susceptible to rain, hail and subsequent diseases differently. Although all Pauillac is made with the same grapes, no two wines are alike.

The Terroir in Pauillac

Pauillac is south of the equally prestigious St. Estephe and north of St. Julien. Two primary areas determine the appellation’s terroir: a couple of high-elevation slopes on the north and gravelly flatlands on the south. Although the high-altitude vineyards lie only twenty-nine metres above the sea level, the difference influences the grapevine’s growth.

Gravel soils have an immense impact on the Pauillac wine style. The free-draining soil forces grapevines to grow deep, strong roots, making them more resistant to climatic conditions and producing more concentrated fruit. Cabernet grown in gravel shows the most promise. Areas richer in water-retaining clay are best suited for growing Merlot.

The Gironde River stabilises the weather while providing abundant water. The Medoc’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean results in heavy rains, often during the growing season, which can ruin entire crops.

Ultimately, the amount of sunlight from spring to the autumn harvest, determines if the vintage is average, good or extraordinary. In the past decade, nearly all vintages resulted in wine of immense quality.

Wine Styles in Pauillac

Pauillac is a red-wine appellation. However, some chateaux produce white wine in the area; they label it as Bordeaux, and it often has an excellent quality/price ratio.

Red wine in Pauillac is always of the highest quality. However, the best wines come from Classified estates. The three Premier Cru chateaux in Pauillac: Lafite Rothschild, Latour and Mouton Rothschild, are the most highly regarded. Nonetheless, Pauillac is also home to the super-second growths Château Pichon Baron and Comtesse and a handful of fifth growths worth exploring.

Although Bordeaux’s Classified Wines are on par with the best in the world, most chateaux also produce less expensive but equally impressive ‘second wines.’ Even lesser-known estates produce wine at a commune level that are as good as the best Bordeaux blends produced elsewhere.

Pauillac wine offers red and black fruit on the nose with hints of dried herbs, tobacco and oak spices, including cinnamon and vanilla. Pauillac wines are rich and concentrated on the palate, often balanced by medium-high acidity, persistent tannins and a lengthy finish. All Pauillac wines can age and are best enjoyed at least five years after vintage. Enjoy Pauillac wine with fatty beef cuts, roasted duck, game, hearty stews and aged cheese.