Pauillac AOC

French wine region

Pauillac AOC is a prestigious Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) for wine in the Bordeaux region of France. It is located in the Médoc subregion on the left bank of the Gironde estuary. Pauillac is renowned for producing some of the world's finest red wines, primarily from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety.

Geography and Climate

Pauillac is situated between the communes of Saint-Estèphe to the north and Saint-Julien to the south. The region benefits from a temperate maritime climate, influenced by the nearby Atlantic Ocean and the Gironde estuary. This climate provides mild winters and warm summers, ideal for viticulture.

The soils in Pauillac are predominantly gravelly, which allows for excellent drainage and heat retention. This terroir is particularly suited to the cultivation of Cabernet Sauvignon, which thrives in these conditions.

Viticulture and Winemaking

The primary grape varieties grown in Pauillac are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The wines of Pauillac are known for their deep color, full body, and complex aromas of blackcurrant, cedar, and tobacco.

The winemaking process in Pauillac involves meticulous vineyard management, including green harvesting and careful selection of grapes. Fermentation typically takes place in stainless steel or concrete vats, followed by aging in oak barrels for 18 to 24 months.

Notable Châteaux

Pauillac is home to three of the five First Growths: Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour, and Château Mouton Rothschild. These estates are renowned for producing some of the most sought-after wines in the world.

Other notable châteaux in Pauillac include Château Pichon Longueville Baron, Château Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, and Château Pontet-Canet. These estates contribute to Pauillac's reputation for excellence in winemaking.

Wine Characteristics

Pauillac wines are characterized by their powerful structure, rich tannins, and ability to age gracefully. Young Pauillac wines often exhibit flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and graphite, with a firm tannic backbone. As they age, these wines develop complex tertiary aromas of leather, truffle, and cigar box.

A selection of Pauillac Cru Bourgeois wines

Wine Classification

In addition to the First Growths, Pauillac is home to several classified growths from the 1855 classification, as well as numerous Cru Bourgeois estates. The classification system reflects the historical reputation and quality of the wines produced by these estates.

Related Pages

• Bordeaux wine regions
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Médoc
• Left Bank (Bordeaux)

A bottle of La Croix de Grand-Puy Ducasse 2012