Lalande-de-Pomerol

🇫🇷 France

AOC

AOC 1954 - Pomerol's value neighbor across the Barbanne stream, 200 châteaux

Region profile

History

Before 1928 boundaries, some growers labeled wine as Pomerol. Producers consortium established 1884 - 70 years before AOC official. Major châteaux investment wave 1998-2007: Angélus owners bought Château La Fleur (1998), Pétrus winemaker Denis Durantou acquired Les Cruzelles (2000), Château Latour took stake in Siaurac (2007).

Climate
Clay, gravel, and sand mixture; Néac commune has deeper clay similar to Pomerol; successive alluvial terraces from Pyrenees/Massif Central formation; 1,154 hectares
Signature wines
Château La Fleur de Boüard - Hubert de Boüard (Angélus) influence; Château Les Cruzelles - Denis Durantou (Pétrus/L'Église-Clinet winemaker); Château Tournefeuille - hillside site considered finest terroir
What sets it apart
Pomerol quality at fraction of price; Néac clay terroir rivals Pomerol; major investment by famous winemakers signals rising prestige; "smart money" Right Bank play

Facts

  • Covers two villages (Lalande-de-Pomerol and Néac) that merged into one AOC
  • Néac has best terroir with Pomerol-like clay
  • some Néac wines outperform sandy western Pomerol
  • producers consortium formed 1884, AOC official 1954