Unlike some other wine regions, the Alsace appellation system is relatively simple. There are two main classifications for still wines: Alsace and Alsace Grand Cru. Because of its simplicity, some producers use language on labels to try to distinguish between their different qualities of wines. You might find the terms ‘Réserve Personnelle’ or ‘Cuvée Spéciale’ on labels, but they don’t have any legal status within the classification system; they are just some terms the producers use. 

It’s important to know that the noble grape varieties are: Riesling, Muscat, Gewurztraminer, or Pinot Gris. In Alsace, the best wines will be 100% of a single variety, and bottles will be labeled with the name of the grape. 

Your Guide to Alsace’s Wine Classification System

Alsace AOC (appellation d’origine contrôlée)

The ‘Alsace’ appellation accounts for the majority of the wine produced in the region. Most wines are made from a single grape variety, and the name of the grape will be on the label, unlike some other areas, like Burgundy, where the region names are on the label rather than the grape variety. In Alsace, if the grape variety is listed on the label, 100% of the wine is produced from that single variety. 

It’s rare, but there are cases where the villages have the right to add their name to the appellation on the label for certain styles; however, for the vast majority of the wines in this appellation or classification, you’ll only find the grape variety on the label. 

Alsace Grand Cru

The top quality wines in Alsace are Grand Cru wines, and there are more than 50 vineyards that have their own Grand Cru classification. 

Alsace Grand Cru wines must be produced from a single noble grape variety. But, as always, a few rare exceptions exist. The label on Alsace Grand Cru wines must have the vineyard name, the vintage, and the name of the grape variety and will include the term ‘Grand Cru’. If you’re looking for the best of Alsace wine, look for Grand Cru wines.

Two other classifications of Alsace wines depend on the sugar level of the wine and can be either the Alsace or the Grand Cru appellation. 

Vendanges Tardives (VT)

This means ‘Late Harvest’, and the wine must have a minimum sugar level depending on the grape variety. Here again, the wine can only be made from one of the four noble varieties. The sugar levels required are a minimum of 235 grams per liter for Muscat and Riesling and 257 grams per liter for Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer.

In the best examples of Alsace late-harvest wines, the grapes will have dried on the vine, turning to raisins and concentrating the sugars and flavors, which is known as ‘passerillage’. 

VT wines may or may not be affected by botrytis.

Sélection de Grains Nobles (SGN)

These grapes are required to be affected by botrytis or ‘Noble Rot’. Here, the minimum sugar level must be higher than in Vendanges Tardives wines: a minimum of 276 grams per liter for Muscat and Riesling and 306 grams per liter for Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer. Again, only the noble grape varieties can be used for SGN wines. 

Other Labeling Terms

Gentil and Edelzwicker

These are terms on Alsace wine labels that designate that the wine is a blend. 

Gentil must be from at least 50% noble grape varieties, and the remainder can be any other Alsace grape variety. 

Edelzwicker means ‘noble mixture’ and is an inexpensive blend of wine.

Cremant d’ Alsace 

The sparkling Crémant d’Alsace can be a delicious value. Pinot noir is the only red grape allowed in Alsace AOC wines and may be included in these sparkling blends, but Pinot Blanc is generally the base variety. Crémant d’Alsace is also the only appellation in the region to allow Chardonnay in the blend.

Don’t Miss: Learn more about  Alsace, France

You’ll find the picturesque Alsace region in northeastern France with breathtaking landscapes and charming medieval villages. Sharing borders with Germany and Switzerland, Alsace is a unique fusion of French and German cultures that are reflected in its architectural, culinary, and winemaking traditions. The region has a rich history, beautiful scenery, delicious food, and, most importantly to us, exceptional wines. 

Alsace enjoys a sheltered position, nestled between the Vosges mountains and the Rhine River, resulting in a continental climate with warm, sunny days and cool nights. The region’s diverse soils and geological history add complexity to the wines, giving them a terroir-driven character and contributing to the variety of wine styles produced. In the Alsace region, you’ll find wines that range from rich and full-bodied to young and fresh styles, as well as lusciously sweet.

The Grape Varieties of Alsace

One of the most interesting aspects of Alsace wines is the focus on bottling single-grape varieties, not blends of varieties, allowing each to showcase its distinctive characteristics. 

The region is famous for producing four primary grape varieties, often called the ‘noble varieties’: Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat, but Alsace also produces a range of grape varieties, so we’ve included a fifth that you’ll also find in the region.

Riesling

Often considered the king of Alsace grapes, Riesling is the most planted of the noble varieties, and the best examples yield dry and crisp wines with hints of green apple, stone fruit, lime, and often, a mineral, stony note. Renowned for its longevity, Riesling from Alsace can develop a profound depth of flavors over time. Yes, Riesling can age! 

Gewürztraminer

Known for its exotic and aromatic profile, Gewürztraminer offers an opulent bouquet of lychee, rose petals, and tropical fruits. In a blind tasting, the heady rose aroma will give it away every time. These wines tend to be rich and full-bodied, with low to medium acidity, making them a delightful choice for those who enjoy rich wines with intense flavors.

Pinot Gris

Offering a harmonious balance between richness and acidity, Pinot Gris wines are filled with flavors of ripe pear, peach, dried fruits, and honey. This grape variety can also produce lusciously sweet late-harvest wines.

In Italy, this grape is known as Pinot Grigio, where the style is lighter than here in Alsace, which produces more full-bodied Pinot Gris. 

Muscat

There are several grape varieties called ‘Muscat’, but here, the best wines are made from Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains. Muscat wines from Alsace are known for their intense, floral aroma, with orange blossom and fresh grapey flavors. They are typically dry or off-dry and offer a refreshing and fragrant experience.

Pinot Blanc

Often overshadowed by its more famous ‘noble variety’ counterparts, Pinot Blanc is primarily used for sparkling wines, but as a still wine, it’s appreciated for its easy-going, simple, non-aromatic characteristics. 

Top Producers in Alsace

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht

As one of the pioneers of biodynamic viticulture in Alsace, Domaine Zind-Humbrecht estate produces wines that are incredibly expressive of their terroir. Their offerings include magnificent examples of Riesling and Gewürztraminer.

Trimbach

With a winemaking history dating back to 1626, Trimbach is famous for its Rieslings, particularly the Cuvée Frédéric Émile, which has become a benchmark for the variety.

Domaine Weinbach

Known for both their excellence in winemaking and their dedication to sustainability, Domaine Weinbach offers a luxurious range of Gewürztraminer, Riesling, and Pinot Gris.

Hugel & Fils

A family-owned producer with a rich tradition, Hugel & Fils is respected for creating wines that are both accessible and complex, including their celebrated late-harvest offerings.

A Trip Worth Taking

Alsace’s winemaking tradition is one of harmony between nature and craftsmanship. For those passionate about white wine or simply looking to discover something new, add Alsace to your travel list.

The charm of Alsace is captivating and offers an experience that goes beyond wine tasting. It’s a journey through history, medieval villages, and multiple cultures, and its cuisine and wines give you delicious flavors to discover.

Notable Places To Visit

Cities:

Strasbourg — The capital city and seat of the European Parliment offers a vibrant blend of French and German culture. The city offers a mix of history that dates back to the Roman empire and a modern, cosmopolitan vibe.

Colmar — A mid-sized town with out-sized charm full of half-timber medieval buildings as well as Renaissance and Gothic architecture. There’s plenty in this lovely town to keep you busy.

Riquewihr — This small medieval village is one of the most picturesque in Alsace. Located in the heart of the region’s vineyards with cobblestone streets and quaint shops, this is a true wine-making village.

Historical Sites:

Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle — This medieval castle, with records dating back to 1147, is near the town of Orschwiller, and its authentic renovations offer a glimpse into the 15th century. The fortress is built on a rocky hilltop that provides breathtaking views of the surrounding area, and on clear days you can see the Alps.

Don’t miss the Alsace classification system:

Before you start your journey,

learn more about the Rhône Valley and its amazing wines.

Discover the best of Rhône Valley wines

on this 5-day self-guided itinerary.

Day 1

Arrival in Southern Rhône – Avignon

Arrive in Avignon, the gateway to the Southern Rhône and a city rich in history with its Palais des Papes (Papal Palace). Check into your hotel and take the rest of the day to explore the city. Dine at one of the city’s excellent restaurants and enjoy local cuisine paired with a glass of Côtes du Rhône.

Recommended Hotel:

Hotel De L’Atelier

Day 2

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

After breakfast, head to the historic wine region of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Visit a few wineries, such as Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe or Château de Beaucastel, to sample the robust reds the area is known for. In the afternoon, take a stroll around the ruins of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape castle and enjoy the breathtaking views of the vineyards. Return to Avignon for dinner.

Day 3

Gigondas and Vacqueyras

Spend your day exploring the vineyards of Gigondas and Vacqueyras. Both are known for their bold Grenache-based reds. Wineries such as Domaine de Longue Toque in Gigondas and Domaine de la Verrière in Vacqueyras are worth visiting. Enjoy a picnic lunch amid the vineyards. In the evening, return to Avignon and perhaps attend a performance at the city’s famous theater festival if your visit coincides.

Day 4

Travel to Northern Rhône – Tain-l’Hermitage

Travel north to Tain-l’Hermitage, the heart of the Northern Rhône. Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the town. Stop in at Paul Jabolet wine bar and restaurant in the city center for small bites and taste their wine list one glass at a time. Or enjoy a generous charcuterie board with staff-recommended wines at Le Bateau Ivre with a view of the footbridge across the Rhône River.

Recommended Hotel:

Fac & Spera Hôtel et Spa

Day 5

Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu

Your final day is dedicated to exploring the regions of Côte-Rôtie and Condrieu. Visit top estates like Domaine Guigal and Domaine Jamet in Côte-Rôtie and enjoy their powerful yet elegant Syrah. Then, head to Condrieu to explore their world-renowned Viognier. The panoramic view from the vineyards over the Rhône River is not to be missed.

Return to Tain-l’Hermitage for a farewell dinner, perhaps at Restaurant Le Mangevins, known for its excellent wine list featuring local Rhône wines.

Notes:

Remember that advance booking is advisable for most wineries, especially the more famous ones.

You should not drive if you will be drinking, and this is a wine-centric itinerary, after all. So, let someone else do the driving, and find a wine guide to plan your wine tastings.

Your Guide to the

Southern & Northern Rhône Wine Regions

We summarized the differences between the Southern and Northern Rhône Valley in our beginner’s guide, but now let’s dig into the top appellations and get a deeper understanding of this historic wine region.

Southern Rhône Appellations

The Southern Rhône, with its hot, dry climate, is renowned for its fruit-forward, full-bodied wines.  A major difference between the southern and northern Rhône Valley is the extensive use of grape blends in the south. While there are 13 different gapes that can make up a Southern Rhône wine, the primary red grape varieties are Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre (widely called simply ‘GSM blends’). 

Grenache is a versatile grape that can be used to make both light and full-bodied wines. Syrah is a grape that is known for its dark fruit flavors and its ability to age well. Mourvèdre is a grape that adds structure and complexity to red wines.

The specific blend of grape varieties used in a Southern Rhône red wine will depend on the winemaker’s style and the particular terroir of the vineyard. The blend will also be affected by the age of the vines, the yield per vine, and the winemaking techniques used.

6 of the most prominent wine appellations of the

Southern Rhône Valley

Châteauneuf-du-Pape:

Perhaps the most famous wine from the Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a robust, full-bodied red wine predominantly made from Grenache, along with a blend of up to 13 other grape varieties such as Syrah and Mourvèdre. This wine is often characterized by its robust structure, ripe berry fruit flavors, and complex spicy notes.

Gigondas:

This red wine is also primarily made from Grenache, complemented by Syrah and Mourvèdre. Gigondas wines are typically bold and powerful, with flavors of ripe dark fruit, spice, and a distinct earthy quality.
While Châteauneuf-du-Pape can get very pricey, you’ll be able to find Gigondas in the US for around 25% less than its more expensive cousin. 

Vacqueyras:

Similar to Gigondas, Vacqueyras wines are Grenache-dominant blends that often include Syrah and Mourvèdre. They tend to have a bit more elegance and freshness compared to their neighbors, with plenty of ripe fruit, spice, and a hint of minerality.

Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Villages:

Here’s where we think the Southern Rhône shines. These are general designations for wines produced across the region. Côtes du Rhône wines can offer excellent value, often delivering plenty of ripe, juicy fruit flavors, mild tannins, and a smooth finish. The “Villages” designation denotes a higher quality tier, with more concentration and complexity in the wines.

There are 22 ‘village’ designations, and the wine label will show the village name along with the “Côtes du Rhône” appellation.  Cairanne, Rasteau, Sablet, Seguret, and Valreas are some of the top village names to know.

To be considered for this higher tier of Côtes du Rhône Village wine, producers are required to adhere to stricter standards of grape growing and winemaking than those in the Côtes du Rhône wines. 

Tavel:

Tavel is best known for its rosé wines, but some producers also make red wines. They are usually Grenache-dominant and can show a fascinating mix of ripe fruit, spice, and herbal flavors. Tavel rosés differ from the nearby Provence rosés with a  deeper color, deeper fruit flavors, and a more rounded body.

Lirac:

Across the Rhône River from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Lirac produces both red and rosé wines, mainly from Grenache, with Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Cinsault often in the blend. Lirac reds are known for their deep color, bold fruit flavors, and soft, generous texture.

The white wines of the Southern Rhône are typically made from a blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne, and Clairette. Most of the Blanc wines will produce a full-bodied and fruity wine with flavors of citrus, white flowers, and honey.

Each appellation highlights a certain wine style and showcases the terroir of the Southern Rhône. The warm Mediterranean climate of Southern Rhône gives us a variety of wines: from fruity and easy-drinking rosés to rich, full-bodied whites, and complex, intense reds.

Northern Rhône Appellations

The Northern Rhône region of France produces some of the world’s most iconic and distinctive red wines, predominantly from the Syrah grape. Unlike its southern counterpart, which is known for blends, Northern Rhône focuses primarily on single-varietal wines.

The  Syrah-based red wines of the Northern Rhône are typically full-bodied and flavorful, with flavors of black fruits, spices, and earth. They can be aged for many years, and they often develop complex flavors over time.

5 of the most prominent wine appellations of the

Northern Rhône Valley

Côte-Rôtie:

Translated as “roasted slope,” this region’s wines are some of the most prestigious Syrah wines in the world. Often, a small proportion (up to 20%) of Viognier, a white grape, is co-fermented with Syrah, which contributes an aromatic lift to the wine. Côte Rôtie wines are known for their remarkable depth, complexity, and longevity, often displaying flavors of dark fruit, smoked meat, and black pepper, with a distinctive floral note from the Viognier.

Hermitage:

Hermitage produces powerful, full-bodied red wines from Syrah that are known for their potential to age for decades. The wines often have intense flavors of black fruit, leather, and spice, with firm tannins that soften over time. Occasionally, small amounts of the white grapes Marsanne and Roussanne may be included in the blend.

Cornas:

Cornas is unique in the Northern Rhône as it is the only appellation that mandates its red wines be 100% Syrah. Cornas wines are typically robust and full-bodied, with flavors of dark berry fruit, spice, and earthy undertones. With age, they can develop complex notes of leather and game.

Saint-Joseph:

Saint-Joseph wines can range from lighter, more approachable styles, to more full-bodied, intense examples. Made from Syrah, often with a small addition of white grapes, these wines typically exhibit black fruit flavors, along with floral and spicy notes.

Crozes-Hermitage:

As the largest appellation in the Northern Rhône, the style of red wines from Crozes-Hermitage can vary significantly. Generally, they are made from Syrah and are often more approachable and less tannic than some of their Northern Rhône counterparts. They typically display flavors of dark fruit, spice, and sometimes a smoky, earthy quality.

Each of the wines from the Northern Rhône highlights the essence of the Syrah grape in its own unique way. From the aromatic, complex wines of Côte Rôtie to the bold, full-bodied wines of Cornas, the Northern Rhône offers a captivating exploration of Syrah for any red wine lover.

Need an itinerary?

Get inspired with this 5-Day Rhône Wine Tasting Itinerary.

Vineyards of Diversity and Distinction

In the wine world, the Rhône Valley is synonymous with quality, diversity, and intensity. In the south of France, the Rhône wine region follows the Rhône River and stretches from the bustling city of Lyon in the north to the Mediterranean Sea in the south.

It is a region rich in history, defined by its wine, and adored by enthusiasts and experts worldwide. Its vines have been thriving for over two millennia, making Rhône Valley one of the oldest wine-growing regions in France. Today, we are going to uncork the charm of the Rhône and explore its diverse wines.

Historical Vines

Dating back to the Romans’ time, who planted the first vineyards here around 600 BC, they understood the value of the region’s climate and terroir, with the Mistral wind providing a natural defense against vine diseases, and the diversity of the soils providing excellent conditions for various grape varieties.

The Rhône’s Dual Personality

When talking about the Rhône wine region, it’s important to note that it’s generally divided into two distinct parts: Northern Rhône and Southern Rhône. Each has its own climatic conditions, grape varieties, and unique winemaking traditions, resulting in a multitude of styles and flavors in the wines.

Northern Rhône: The Land of Syrah

The northern section, accounting for only a tenth of the total Rhône Valley wine production, focuses on the noble Syrah variety for its red wines. This is the land of Côte Rotie, Saint-Joseph, and the legendary Hermitage – all producing wines of breathtaking depth, and complexity. For white wines, Marsanne and Roussanne rule supreme, featuring in Saint-Peray and Hermitage Blanc. In Condrieu, with its exotic aromatics, Viognier is the only grape variety allowed.

These wines are known for their aromatic intensity and balance. Red wines typically exhibit aromas of blackberry, plum, and black pepper, with a backbone of tannin that promises excellent aging potential. The white wines, on the other hand, can be rich and full-bodied, often with flavors of stone fruit, almond, and honeysuckle.

Southern Rhône: A Symphony of Grapes

Venture south and the Rhône Valley transforms from a river of Syrah into a sea of Grenache. Here in the Southern Rhône, Grenache is the predominant variety, often blended with other grapes like Syrah, Mourvedre, and up to 13 other permitted varieties in the famed Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

Southern Rhône wines like Gigondas, Vacqueyras, and Cotes du Rhône Villages are appreciated for their bold, ripe fruit flavors, spicy notes, and approachable style. They often offer great value for money, providing a gateway for anyone looking to explore the world of Rhône wines.

The white wines of Southern Rhône, made from Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Ugni Blanc, and a few Northern Rhône standards like Marsanne and Roussanne, are equally worthy of attention. They can be a burst of freshness with flavors of citrus and peach, floral notes, and sometimes a touch of mineral complexity.

Ready to learn more?

Read the follow-up post with a deeper dive into the Rhône Valley

Need an itinerary?

Get inspired with this 5-Day Rhône Wine Tasting Itinerary.

Bordeaux is one of the most renowned wine regions in the world and known for producing some of the finest, most age-worthy wines. The region is divided into several wine appellations or “appellations d’origine contrôlée” (AOC), each with its own distinct terroir and style. Bordeaux’s wine-growing region has 65 AOCs, so it could take a lifetime to really understand the wine of the Bordeaux, but let’s cover some of the more important appellations to start.

You may have heard the terms “Left Bank” and “Right Bank” when talking about Bordeaux wines. So, what does that mean?

In the southwest of France, the Dordogne River joins the Garonne River and forms the Gironde estuary that leads to the Atlantic Ocean. If you were standing in the city of Bordeaux and facing north, on the left side (west) of the Gironde is the Left Bank, and this region is known for red wine blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, usually with a higher percentage of Cabernet. On the right side (east) of the Gironde, and along the banks of the Dordogne River, you’ll find the Right Bank with red wine blends known for their higher percentage of Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. 

Where the Garonne and Dordogne spit, south of the city of Bordeaux, the land between the rivers is called Entre-Deux-Mers, “between two seas”, and is known for white wines made with Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.

Médoc:

Things can get a little confusing when discussing the Bordeaux wine region because Médoc includes all of the Left Bank from Bordeaux city, north, and includes Haut Médoc and the sub-regions, or communes, within the Haut Médoc. But Médoc also refers to the most northern AOC on the Left Bank. Up until around the 1940s, this AOC was known as ‘Bas-Médoc’ but is now known simply as Médoc. Is that clear as mud? This diagram might help: 

Haut-Médoc AOC:

Haut-Médoc is a wine region located within the Médoc AOC, just north of the city of Bordeaux. The region is known for producing high-quality red wines that are a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. The region’s soil is characterized by gravel, sand, and clay, which allows for excellent drainage and provides the ideal growing conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon.

Examples of producers in Haut-Médoc AOC: Château La Lagune, Château Cantemerle, Château Sociando-Mallet, Château Belgrave, and Château La Tour Carnet.

Saint-Estèph AOC: 

The most northerly of the premier appellations, Saint-Esteph produces refined and elegant wines. Its deep layers of clay mixed with marine limestone soils, along with influence from the Gironde estuary and the Atlantic Ocean, give us rich, fruity wines highlighted with spice aromas. 

Notable producers in Saint-Esteph: Château Cos d’Estournel, Château Montrose, Château Calon-Ségur, Château Lafon-Rochet, and Château Cos Labory.

Pauillac AOC:

Pauillac is a small but mighty wine region, known for producing some of the most powerful and structured red wines in Bordeaux, thanks to its gravelly soil and ideal location close to the Gironde estuary. The region’s red wines are made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and are known for their deep color, full body, and complex aromas.

Examples of producers in Pauillac AOC: Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Mouton Rothschild, Château Latour, Château Pichon-Longueville Baron, and Château Pontet-Canet.

Saint-Julien AOC:

Saint-Julien produces wines characterized by their balance, structure, and elegance, and are considered some of the most consistent and age-worthy wines in Bordeaux.

Examples of producers in Saint-Julien AOC: Château Léoville Las Cases, Château Léoville Barton, Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, Château Gruaud-Larose, and Château Talbot.

Margaux AOC:

Margaux is a wine region known for producing powerful and elegant wines with floral notes of violets and lilacs. The region’s wines are made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and are characterized by their perfume-like aromas, silky tannins, and long, lingering finish.

Examples of producers in Margaux AOC: Château Margaux, Château Palmer, Château Rauzan-Ségla, Château Brane-Cantenac, and Château Durfort-Vivens.

Pessac-Léognan AOC:

Pessac-Léognan is located in the Graves region, just south of the city of Bordeaux. The region is known for producing both red and white wines, and it is considered one of the most diverse and dynamic wine regions in Bordeaux. The red wines are made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes, while the white wines are made from Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon grapes. The region’s wines are known for their elegance, freshness, and minerality.

Examples of producers in Pessac-Léognan AOC: Château Haut-Brion, Château Pape Clément, Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Château La Mission Haut-Brion, and Château Carbonnieux.

Sauternes AOC:

Sauternes is a small wine region located in the Graves region, known for producing some of the world’s most sought-after sweet wines. The region’s unique microclimate, which includes morning mists and warm afternoon sun, allows for the growth of a fungus called Botrytis cinerea, or “noble rot,” which concentrates the sugar in the grapes and gives the wines their distinct flavors and aromas. The region’s sweet wines are made primarily from Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes.

Examples of producers in Sauternes AOC: Château d’Yquem, Château Suduiraut, Château Rieussec, Château Coutet, and Château Climens.

Saint-Émilion AOC:

Saint-Émilion is located on the Right Bank of the Gironde estuary and is known for producing rich, powerful, and complex red wines. The region’s soil is made up of limestone and clay, which is ideal for growing Merlot grapes, the dominant grape variety in Saint-Émilion. The region is also home to some of the oldest and most famous chateaux in Bordeaux.

Examples of producers in Saint-Émilion AOC: Château Cheval Blanc, Château Ausone, Château Angélus, Château Figeac, and Château Pavie.

Pomerol AOC:

Pomerol is located on the Right Bank of the Gironde estuary, just east of Saint-Émilion. The region is well-respected and known for producing rich, full-bodied red wines that are made primarily from Merlot grapes. Pomerol’s soil is characterized by a mixture of clay and gravel, which allows for excellent water retention and provides the ideal growing conditions for Merlot.

Examples of producers in Pomerol AOC: Château Pétrus, Château Le Pin, Château Lafleur, Château Trotanoy, and Château Clinet.