Chateau Latour a PomerolProducer from Bordeaux, France

Pomerol, Bordeaux

Château Latour à Pomerol is one of the most distinguished estates in Pomerol, known for producing wines of exceptional depth, elegance, and complexity. Despite not being included in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, Latour à Pomerol is widely regarded as one of the finest wines in Bordeaux, consistently delivering a unique expression of the Pomerol terroir. With a history that spans over a century and a commitment to producing wines of the highest quality, Château Latour à Pomerol is a true gem of the Right Bank.

History of Château Latour à Pomerol

The history of Château Latour à Pomerol dates back to the early 20th century when the estate was first established. The property quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality wines, and by the mid-20th century, it was considered one of the top properties in Pomerol. The estate has been under the ownership of the Moueix family since 1917, a family renowned for their stewardship of some of Pomerol’s most prestigious vineyards, including Château Pétrus and Château Trotanoy.

Under the Moueix family's guidance, Château Latour à Pomerol has flourished, becoming one of the most respected names in Pomerol. The family’s dedication to quality and their deep understanding of the Pomerol terroir have helped Château Latour à Pomerol maintain its status as one of Bordeaux’s great wines.

The Terroir of Château Latour à Pomerol

The terroir of Château Latour à Pomerol is one of its most defining features, contributing to the unique character and quality of its wines. The estate’s 7.9 hectares of vineyards are located on the famous Pomerol plateau, where the soils are a mix of gravel, clay, and deep blue clay, known as "crasse de fer." These soils provide excellent drainage and are ideal for cultivating Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the dominant grape varieties at Latour à Pomerol.

The vineyard is planted with 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. This blend reflects the estate’s commitment to capturing the full potential of its terroir, with Merlot providing richness and roundness, and Cabernet Franc contributing structure, freshness, and aromatic complexity.

The unique combination of soils, exposure, and grape varieties allows Château Latour à Pomerol to produce wines that are both powerful and elegant, with a remarkable ability to age gracefully over decades.

Winemaking at Château Latour à Pomerol

Winemaking at Château Latour à Pomerol is a meticulous process that combines tradition with innovation. The grapes are hand-harvested and undergo rigorous sorting to ensure that only the finest fruit is used in the winemaking process. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel and concrete vats, allowing for precise control over the extraction of flavours and tannins.

The wines are then aged in French oak barrels for 18 to 20 months, with about 50% new oak used each year. This ageing process enhances the wines' complexity and depth, allowing the tannins to soften and the flavours to integrate harmoniously. The result is a wine that is both approachable in its youth and capable of developing greater complexity and nuance over time.