Petrus — The Crown Jewel of Pomerol
Owner: Christian Moueix & Famille Moueix
Region: Pomerol, Bordeaux, France
Vineyard Area: 11.5 hectares (≈ 28.4 acres)
Average Vine Age: ≈ 40 years
Soil Type: Deep clay with iron-rich subsoil and crushed stone
Harvest: Hand harvested
Annual Production: ≈ 32,000 bottles
Blend: Merlot 95%, Cabernet Franc 5%
Website: www.moueix.com
Email: info@ipmoueix.com
Address: 1, rue Petrus-Arnaud, 33500 Pomerol, France
Phone: +33 5 57 51 17 96
🏰 Estate Overview
Petrus is not only the most famous estate in Pomerol but also one of the most revered names in the entire world of wine. Founded in the 19th century by the Arnaud family, its name — meaning “Peter” in Latin — was inspired by Saint Peter, whose image still appears on the label holding the keys to heaven. Though it was not included in the 1855 Classification of Bordeaux, Petrus has long stood above such rankings, its reputation built solely on uncompromising quality.
📜 A History of Excellence
The estate’s rise began in the late 19th century but accelerated after the 1920s under Madame Edmond Loubat, who secured full ownership and devoted herself to refining its terroir. Her collaboration with the Moueix family — notably Jean-Pierre Moueix — propelled Petrus to international prominence in the mid-20th century. Since then, the Moueix family has maintained a philosophy of absolute perfectionism and humility, crafting only a single Grand Vin and refusing to produce any second label.
Iconic vintages such as 1945, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1953, 1961, and 1982 cemented its status as a mythical wine. Critics have hailed the 1961 Petrus as one of the greatest wines of the century. Even in difficult years like 1991, when frost damaged the vines, the estate chose not to produce any wine rather than compromise quality — a testament to its integrity and prestige.
🌱 Vineyard and Terroir
Petrus’s vineyard lies at the heart of Pomerol, on a unique plateau of pure clay mixed with iron-rich subsoils and small gravel. This dense, moisture-retaining soil is ideal for Merlot, which makes up about 95% of the plantings, with the remainder Cabernet Franc. Vine density averages 6,000 vines per hectare, some up to 80 years old. Each grape cluster is meticulously selected by hand — a process that ensures only the purest fruit enters the cellar.
🍇 Winemaking Philosophy
Winemaking at Petrus is a precise art guided by both tradition and restraint. Fermentation occurs in concrete vats to preserve fruit purity and micro-oxygenation, followed by aging in 100% new French oak barrels for 20 to 22 months. Barrels are rotated regularly to encourage even integration of oak and aroma. The estate employs up to 180 harvest workers to complete picking within just three days, ensuring optimal ripeness under morning sunlight conditions.
🍷 Wine Character
A glass of Petrus is a study in elegance and power. Deep ruby in color, it reveals layers of black plum, truffle, violet, and dark chocolate, followed by silky tannins and a remarkably long finish. On the palate, it balances finesse and intensity like few other wines can. When young, it exudes sumptuous fruit and velvet texture; with age, it evolves into something ethereal — complex, profound, and hauntingly beautiful.
Petrus produces around 30,000 bottles per year, and allocation is strictly limited to select importers and collectors worldwide. Its rarity and perfection make it not merely a wine, but a legend.
📞 Contact Information
Address: 1, rue Petrus-Arnaud, 33500 Pomerol, France
Website: www.moueix.com
Email: info@ipmoueix.com
Phone: +33 5 57 51 17 96
* Photo Courtesy of dreyfusashby.com