PetrusProducer from Bordeaux, France

Pomerol, Bordeaux

Pétrus, one of the most illustrious and sought-after wines in the world, is a name that resonates with luxury, exclusivity, and unparalleled quality. Situated in the heart of the Pomerol appellation on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, Pétrus has long been considered the pinnacle of Merlot-based wines, admired for its opulence, depth, and extraordinary ageing potential. Despite its relatively small size, Pétrus has established itself as a giant in the wine world, consistently producing wines that are as rare as they are remarkable.

History of Pétrus

The history of Pétrus dates back to the 18th century, but it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that the estate began to achieve international acclaim. Originally owned by the Arnaud family, Pétrus remained relatively unknown outside of France until the estate was purchased by Madame Loubat in the early 20th century. Madame Loubat, a visionary in the world of wine, recognized the unique qualities of Pétrus’ terroir and began to invest heavily in improving the vineyard and winemaking practices.

The turning point for Pétrus came in the 1940s and 1950s when Jean-Pierre Moueix, a prominent wine merchant and producer, began distributing Pétrus globally. Under Moueix’s influence, Pétrus quickly gained a reputation as one of the finest wines in the world, rivalling even the top First Growths of Bordeaux. The collaboration between the Moueix family and the Loubat estate continued to flourish, with Christian Moueix eventually taking over the management of Pétrus in the 1970s.

Today, Pétrus remains under the stewardship of the Moueix family, with Olivier Berrouet serving as the winemaker. The estate has maintained its status as a global icon, producing wines that are cherished by collectors and connoisseurs alike.

The Terroir of Pétrus

The terroir of Pétrus is truly unique, setting it apart from other estates in Pomerol and Bordeaux. The estate’s 11.5 hectares of vineyards are planted on a rare outcrop of blue clay, known as "crasse de fer," which is found only in this small part of Pomerol. This blue clay is rich in iron and has excellent water retention properties, which are crucial for maintaining vine health during dry periods. The clay’s ability to retain moisture allows the Merlot vines to thrive even in challenging weather conditions, resulting in grapes with exceptional concentration and complexity.

Pétrus is planted almost exclusively with Merlot, which makes up 100% of the vineyard’s plantings. This focus on a single grape variety allows Pétrus to fully express the character of its unique terroir. The vines at Pétrus are some of the oldest in Pomerol, with many over 40 years old, contributing to the depth and richness of the wine.

The location of the vineyard, on a gently sloping plateau, provides excellent sun exposure and natural drainage. This combination of blue clay soil, old vines, and optimal vineyard conditions gives Pétrus its signature power, elegance, and longevity. The resulting wines are known for their extraordinary concentration, silky texture, and profound complexity.

Winemaking at Pétrus

Winemaking at Pétrus is a meticulous and highly controlled process, designed to capture the essence of the terroir and produce wines of exceptional quality. The grapes are hand-harvested and sorted with the utmost care to ensure that only the finest fruit is used. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled concrete vats, which allow for precise control over the fermentation process and ensure that the wines develop their full range of flavours and tannins.

After fermentation, the wine is aged in 100% new French oak barrels for approximately 18 to 20 months. The use of new oak adds complexity and structure to the wine, while the careful selection of barrels ensures that the oak influence is perfectly integrated. The ageing process at Pétrus is designed to enhance the wine’s natural characteristics, allowing it to develop the richness, depth, and complexity that have made it famous.

Pétrus is bottled without filtration, preserving the purity and integrity of the wine. The result is a wine that is both powerful and refined, with a remarkable ability to age gracefully for decades. Each bottle of Pétrus is a testament to the estate’s dedication to excellence and its commitment to producing wines that are truly world-class.