Pétrus
Pétrus
#PROPERTY: History & Terroir
The history of Pétrus
Since 1770, the Arnaud family has owned this property, known for a time as "Petrus-Arnaud". The origin of the name "Petrus", a reference to Saint Peter, remains uncertain. At the end of the 19th century, Pétrus was one of Pomerol's finest crus, rivalling the Médoc's second growths. From 1925 onwards, Mme Édouard Loubat gradually acquired the property and entrusted marketing to Jean-Pierre Moueix, propelling Pétrus to the rank of the Médoc's premier grands crus. After Mrs Loubat's death in 1961, the property was divided between her nephews and Jean-Pierre Moueix. The latter became sole owner in 1969, enlarging the vineyard that same year with the purchase of parcels from Château Gazin. In 2003, on the death of Jean-Pierre Moueix, his son Jean-François took over, followed by his grandson Jean in 2011. Olivier Berrouet, son of the illustrious oenologist Jean-Claude Berrouet, has been in charge of vinification since 2008,
Pétrus: A singularity among Bordeaux Châteaux
Pétrus, one of the world's most renowned and expensive wines, has been distinguished without the term "château" on its label since the 1940s, a rare occurrence in the Bordeaux region. Pétrus stands out for its absence of the term. The reason is simple: the estate does not own a château, but rather a winery where the wine is made. Thus, this emblematic cuvée takes its name from the locality where the vines thrive, or perhaps even from its Latin origin evoking Saint Peter, represented on the label by the keys to paradise. The absence of a "château" on the label underscores the singularity of Pétrus.
The unique Terroir of Pétrus: Blue clay
The legendary Terroir de Pétrus, established on an 11.3-hectare vineyard, rests majestically atop the Pomerol plateau not far from Saint-Émillion, offering an incomparable panorama of vineyards. This exceptional terrain, perched on a ridge of ancient blue clay, lends an unparalleled singularity to the grapes that flourish on its soils, ensuring that the vines receive regular nourishment even in times of drought.
Its soils, renowned for their unique ability to retain water, ensure natural irrigation for the vines, while beneath this layer of clay lies a subsoil of iron dross.
This particular geological heritage brings subtle mineral nuances to the grapes, enriching the palette of flavors in the wines thanks to the soil composition of this terroir. Bathed in a favorable microclimate and blessed with a privileged geographical position, this vineyard mainly grows Merlot. This grape variety, perfectly adapted to this setting, produces grapes of unrivalled quality. The wines of Pétrus, rich, complex and unbelievably elegant, bear the distinctive imprint of this exceptional terroir, earning it a world-renowned reputation for producing wines of timeless quality and incomparable finesse.
The aging of Pétrus wine begins with fermentation of the grapes in cement vats, followed by exclusive aging in oak barrels for 20 to 22 months before bottling. Since the end of 2010, this prestigious cuvée has been made from 100% Merlot, from vines over 40 years old.
Which grape variety for Pétrus?
Pétrus is made exclusively from Merlot grapes. This emblematic wine stands out for its rich texture, enveloping softness and velvety texture, unfolding a complex aromatic bouquet where notes of blackcurrant, cherry, licorice, violet and truffle are subtly blended.
#VINS DU DOMAINE : Appellations et Cuvées
The Pomerol appellation
The Pomerol appellation d'origine contrôlée, a winegrowing gem nestled on the right bank of the Gironde in Bordeaux, is distinguished by its rich history and renowned winegrowing culture. Unlike other nearby regions, Pomerol has never been formally classified, preferring to rise in esteem through the quality and reputation of its estates rather than an official ranking.
In 2020, this region dedicated exclusively to the production of red wines produced around 31,000 hectolitres of top-quality wines. Its terroir, marked by distinctive clay soils, provides a privileged habitat for the dominant grape variety, Merlot, which flourishes here to account for almost 83% of vineyards, accompanied by Cabernet Franc (around 13%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (around 3%). Pomerol wines embody a harmonious marriage of finesse and power, offering an exquisite combination of richness, powerful tannic structure and velvety texture on the palate. These wines, renowned for their ability to evolve gracefully over the years, often evoke the depth of the great wines of Burgundy, seducing connoisseurs with their increasing complexity and elegance with every sip. Within this appellation, Pétrus stands as a symbol of excellence, representing the apogee of this exceptional wine region.
Discover our selection of Pomerol wines
The myth of Pétrus
The worldwide reputation of Pétrus rests on its uniqueness as the producer of a single Bordeaux red wine, a singularity attributed in large part to the intelligence and vision of Mme Labat and Jean-Pierre Moueix. This emblematic wine is distinguished by its richness, roundness and velvety texture, offering a complex bouquet subtly blending aromas of blackcurrant, cherry, licorice, violet and truffle. Despite its intense concentration and opulent fruit, Pétrus red wine stands out for its remarkable harmony and persistence on the palate, which captivate the senses. This unique combination of power and balance makes Pétrus much more than just a wine, but an unforgettable sensory experience, synonymous with excellence and elegance in the world of great Bordeaux wines.
The best vintages of Pétrus
1945, 1961, 1978, 1982, 1988, 1989, 2005, 2010, 2020,2022
How to serve Pétrus
Serving a Pétrus with care is essential to appreciate its full richness. Be sure to enjoy it at an ideal temperature, between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius, depending on the vintage. Decanting can be beneficial for younger wines, but be careful with older vintages. Use fine stemmed glasses to better capture the wine's aromas. Pair it with refined dishes such as beef or lamb for a complete taste experience. Take time to savor every sip to explore the full complexity of this exceptional wine.
Which is the most expensive Pétrus? Why is Pétrus wine so expensive?
The dizzying prices of Pétrus: An Exception in the Wine World. Notable sales include six magnums of Pétrus 1982, which sold for 55,625 euros, with prices continuing to climb.
The high price of Château Pétrus wines is largely due to the efforts made from 1925 onwards, when Mme Loubat acquired the property. Her strategic decision to focus attention on quality, by giving paramount importance to the careful selection of grapes and reducing the number of bottles produced per year, was decisive. This focus on excellence rather than quantity has helped position Pétrus among the world's most exclusive and sought-after wines. The rarity induced by limited production, combined with exceptional quality resulting from attention to the smallest detail, has reinforced Pétrus' reputation as an icon, justifying its high price on the fine wine market.
How much does a bottle of Pétrus cost? How can I buy a bottle of Pétrus?
You can find out how much it costs to buy a bottle of Pétrus on our website, where you'll find detailed information on the different cuvées available, the vintages and possible sources of purchase for this iconic wine.
#IN BRIEF: Figures
Region: Bordeaux
Appellation : Pomerol
Surface area : 11.5 Hectares
Red grape varieties : 100% Merlot
Vine cultivation : Reasoned