Pauillac

🇫🇷 France

AOC Rare find

AOC 1936 - 3 First Growths, 18 Crus Classés, Cabernet Sauvignon reference

Region profile

History

Ségur family owned Lafite, Latour, and proto-Mouton simultaneously (1718-1720), creating the holy trinity of Pauillac. AOC established 1936. Mouton elevated to First Growth 1973 - only classification change in 168 years. Dutch merchants drained marshes in 17th century, revealing gravel terroir.

Climate
Deep gravel beds over limestone and clay subsoil; Atlantic maritime influence; excellent drainage creates ideal slow-ripening conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon; 1,200 hectares under vine
Signature wines
Château Lafite Rothschild - epitome of elegance (112ha, Rothschild family since 1868); Château Latour - tower since 14th century, 82ha, famous L'Enclos vineyard; Château Mouton Rothschild - Baron Philippe's vision, artist labels since 1945
What sets it apart
Only commune with THREE First Growths from 1855; deepest gravel beds in Bordeaux create the ultimate expression of Cabernet Sauvignon; global benchmark for age-worthy structured reds

Facts

  • 1,200 hectares with 115 châteaux
  • 18 of 61 Crus Classés in 1855 Classification
  • 3 First Growths (Lafite, Latour, Mouton)
  • produces some of the most expensive wines on Earth