Lalande-De-Pomerol Wine Region Guide

Lalande-De-Pomerol is a wine appellation for red wines located in the Right Bank of Bordeaux. This sub-region of France is famous for its distinctive and elegant red wine, which is difficult to find anywhere else, for that matter. Bordeaux is a prominent wine region with many subdivisions; therefore, it is challenging to differentiate Pomerol from Lalande-De-Pomerol, but in fact, they are different. Pomerol is believed to be more prestigious; however, the prices Lalande-De Pomerol offers are much lower, and the quality of wine is uncompromised. The main grape variety is Merlot, but other blends are also authorized. The excellent combination of location, climate, soil and historically enormous care of winemakers is what makes Lalande-De-Pomerol wine stand out. 

Find out more about wine tasting and tours in the Lalande-De-Pomerol wine region!

Where is the Lalande-De-Pomerol wine region located?

The Lalande-De-Pomerol appellation is located in the region of Libournais, about thirty kilometres east of the city of Bordeaux, southwest of France. Separated from the Pomerol wine sub-region by the Barbanne stream. This appellation covers two villages: Lalande-de-Pomerol and Néac, which were initially registered separately but, due to adequate authorization, started to operate under one AOC. The neighbouring wine appellations are Pomerol, Fronsac, Entre-Deux-Mers, Saint-Émilion and Castillon – Côtes de Bordeaux. Given that the Bordeaux wine region is one of the largest in France, not all appellations border each other. And there are numerous regional and sub-regional divisions. 

The history of the Lalande-De-Pomerol wine region

The wines were not labelled as Lalande-de-Pomerol until 1925; before that, some independent winemakers were producing wines in Lalande-de-Pomerol and Néac areas and selling them as Pomerol wines. The success of the Pomerol sub-region has encouraged more people to visit and invest in Lalande-de-Pomerol. Wine experts have called it “one of the most interesting, complex and balanced wines in existence”. Little by little, as many producers started operating under the Lalande-de-Pomerol name from 1925-1928, the wine sub-region significantly developed, and its quality improved. Finally, it achieved appellation status in 1954, which INAO granted.

Lalande-De-Pomerol wine region terroir

The soil of the appellation is an ideal mixture of clay, gravel, and sand; there are also some subsoils, though. In Lalande, basements are alluvial, mainly composed of sand and gravel. In Néac, the vineyards are planted on a higher plateau composed of gravel and clay. The gravel is an essential component and stipulates the region’s success, as Merlot grows exceptionally well on this soil type. Alternatively, sand and alluvial soils promote the abundant growth of Cabernet grapes. The proximity to rivers plays a crucial role, as it guarantees good drainage of soils and some aspects of climate; also, it nourishes and moisturizes the vines. The overall climate is continental, with maritime influence and diurnal temperature variations. The total vineyard area of the appellation covers 1154 hectares. 

Lalande-De-Pomerol wine characteristics

Lalande-de-Pomerol Appellation produces exclusively red wines. Merlot dominates the blending of these wines, very close to those of Pomerol. Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec are authorized grape varieties also used in winemaking. The deep red colour and red fruit flavours characterize the Lalande-de-Pomerol wines; they are a pledge of powerful and bouquet wines, well-structured, full-bodied, and smooth, with a good ageing potential of 5 – 10 years. Oak barrels ageing helps the wine to develop plum, leather, and coconut notes. The tannin presence is revealed from the attack, but the warm side reappears very quickly on the palate, where the tannins become velvety. They are best served at a temperature: of 15 to 17° C.

Food to pair with Lalande-De-Pomerol wine 

Entrecôte à la Bordelaise

Entrecôte à la Bordelaise is a French dish of beef steak in a rich, red wine sauce with a combination of sautéed shallots, butter, dry red wine, spices, and thyme. It is often served with French fries and mushrooms. It can also be served with a potato purée and steamed broccoli, green beans or other veggies. Entrecôte is usually cooked in an iron frying pan, but it can also be cooked in an oven or on the grill. The key to cooking entrecôte well is to cook it quickly over high heat, so the meat does not overcook and dry out. Bordeaux red wine is one of the best wine types to pair with entrecôte. For example, Lalande-De-Pomerol a wine that comes in many flavours and is typically quite robust.

Magret de canard

Magret de canard is a dish made from duck breast that has been seared with honey, vinegar, soy sauce, salt and pepper, then cooked in butter until it’s browned. The meat is served on a bed of mashed potatoes or rice. It’s an excellent dish for entertaining guests because it’s easy to prepare and tastes great, especially accompanied by a fine red wine.

Hard cheese 

Hard cheeses are a type of cheese used largely in French cuisine. France’s most popular hard cheeses are Comté, Beaufort, and Gruyère. Hard cheeses have a firmer texture than soft cheeses and have a slightly salty taste. They can be served as an appetizer with crackers or pieces of bread and pair exceptionally well with Lalande-De-Pomerol dry red wine. 

Places to visit in the Lalande-De-Pomerol wine region

L'église Saint-Jean

Saint-Jean Church is a Catholic Church located in Lalande-de-Pomerol, France, which dates from the 12th century, and is considered the work of the Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem. Despite the addition of side chapels in the 19th century and a few modifications in the 14th century, it is both the only church in the Libournais representative of their style of construction and the only architectural relic of the 12th century Commander. Its style is distinctive, especially for those times. At the top, a belfry wall has two windows crowned with three small pyramids bearing a cross. Therefore, visiting and exploring this church on sight is a pretty interesting.

Escape Road

Escapade road is a caravan designed to help customers simultaneously experience the big-city life and the comfort of their own homes. It drives around in caravans that feature a “scenario” of one-hour play. So you have a “moving home” to discover the city.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Lalande-De-Pomerol wine region