Pauillac

Pauillac is one of the most prestigious appellations of the Médoc in Bordeaux and is known worldwide for powerful, structured red wines with exceptional aging potential. The region is home to some of the world's most famous châteaux, including three of the five Premier Grand Cru Classés from the 1855 classification. Pauillac combines intensity, finesse, and aristocratic depth like few other regions.

What is Pauillac wine?

Pauillac wine is a red wine from the AOC Pauillac, almost always based on a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and sometimes Petit Verdot. The style is characterized by deep structure, black currant, cedar, tobacco, graphite, and firm yet refined tannins. Pauillac is considered the benchmark for classic Left Bank Bordeaux with longevity and impressive complexity.

Origin and vineyards

Pauillac is located on the left bank of the Gironde, between Saint-Estèphe and Saint-Julien. The appellation benefits from a unique combination of soil, location, and microclimate ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon.

Key terroir characteristics:

• Deep gravel and pebble soils – excellent drainage and heat regulation, essential for full ripeness of Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Clay layers in the subsoil – provide structure, strength and a long development curve.
• Maritime influence from the Gironde – prevents extreme temperatures and promotes even ripening.
• Very old vineyards – many top châteaux have vines that are decades old, with low yields and high concentration.

Prime locations within Pauillac are situated on small ridges (“croupes”) where drainage and sun exposure are optimal.

Styles and vinification

Red Pauillac (dominant)

Pauillac produces exclusively red wine, with Cabernet Sauvignon as the backbone of the blend.

Stylistic features

• Intense black fruit: cassis, black cherry, blackberry
• Cedar, graphite, tobacco and subtle smoke
• Firm tannins with perfect ripeness
• Strength, length and high concentration
• Very long lifespan

Vinification

• Careful plot selection and manual harvesting
• Classic vinification with long maceration for structure
• Maturation in French oak barriques (often 60–100% new, depending on château and cuvée)
• Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot , Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot
• Some top wines use micro-vinification per plot for maximum precision

Big names

Pauillac is home to three Premier Grand Cru Classés:
• Château Lafite Rothschild
• Château Mouton Rothschild
• Château Latour

In addition, numerous other iconic châteaux such as Pontet-Canet, Pichon Longueville and Pichon Comtesse.

Storage and serving

Pauillac is one of Bordeaux's most long-lived wines.

• Base and second wines: 8–15 years
• Classed Growths: 15–30 years
• Iconic châteaux: 30+ years, depending on vintage

Serving temperature: 17–18 degrees.
Decanting young Pauillac (1–3 hours) is strongly recommended to soften tannins and open up aromas.

Buy Pauillac at Perfectewijn.nl

At Perfecte Wijn, you'll find Pauillac wines that capture the essence of the appellation: power, structure, cassis-driven aromas, and great depth. From second wines to impressive grands crus, every bottle embodies the luxury and precision for which Pauillac is renowned.