Petrus
Petrus

Petrus

Petrus is one of the most famous grand crus in the world. Even though it's not included in any classifications, Petrus shines through its expertise and wine quality. In the Pomerol AOC, the vineyard sits on the highest mound of the appellation, reaching an altitude of 40 meters. The soil, mainly composed of clay, suits well the Merlot which makes up 95% of the grape varieties. The estate's approximately 12 hectares are subject to constant work and permanent attention to detail. Petrus is considered more accessible for tasting than some of its illustrious peers.

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The history of Petrus

 

The history of Petrus is tinged with originality, mystery, and strong personalities. Although known worldwide, it is not included in any classification (due to its belonging to the Pomerol appellation).

 

Existing since 1770 under the banner of the Arnaud family, the estate was then called Petrus-Arnaud. The name "Petrus" comes from the Latin "Pierre" in reference to the Apostle Saint Peter, whose statue can be found on the estate. The estate grew in the shadow of its famous neighbor Château Vieux Certan and by the end of the 19th century matched the second growths. The property was purchased at the beginning of the 20th century by Mr. Sabin-Douarre who created the civil society of Château Petrus.

 

The story took a turn in 1925, when Marie-Louise Loubat, owner of a hotel in Libourne, began gradually buying shares in the Petrus company until becoming the sole owner in 1945. She partnered with Jean-Pierre Moueix and together they worked with great efficiency to develop Petrus's reputation and raised its price to the level of the first growths of the Médoc. After Mrs. Loubet's death in 1961, the estate was divided between her two nephews and Jean-Pierre Moueix. The latter quickly bought out the heirs' shares and expanded the vineyard in 1964 by acquiring 5 hectares from Château Gazin. Jean-Pierre Moueix's sons and grandsons would successively take over the management of Petrus. The management is currently held by Olivier Berrouet, son of the famous oenologist Jean-Claude Berrouet. The winery was completely renovated in 2014. In 2018, American-Colombian businessman Alejandro Santo Domingo acquired a 20% stake in the Petrus company for the hefty sum of 200 million euros, valuing the estate at one billion euros.

 

 

Petrus and its prestigious ambassadors

 

Two events contributed to Petrus's reputation worldwide, well coordinated by Marie-Louise Loubat.

First in 1947, to celebrate the engagement of Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten, Mrs. Loubat sent a case of Petrus to the future queen. The princess fell under the charm of this wine and six months later it became the wine served at the wedding dinner of who would later become the Queen of England. The guests were delighted and promoted what was then an unknown wine, and now the entire world knows the name Petrus.

Then it was the Kennedys who discovered Petrus wine and proclaimed it as their favorite wine.

  

 

What are the characteristics of Petrus wines?

 

The estate is located in the commune of Pomerol, stretching from Libourne to Saint Emilion on a hill called La Boutonnière, with an area of 11.3 hectares. The soil is characterized by a particular composition combining gravel and blue clay (called crasse de fer). Compared to surrounding vineyards, the iron concentration in the soil is much higher, allowing it to store more water, ensuring regular water supply to the vines, even during drought.

 

The grape variety composition, previously made up of Merlot (95%) and Cabernet Franc (5%), has since 2010 been 100% Merlot. The harvest is done manually with meticulous selection. Vinification takes place in temperature-controlled concrete vats and the wine is aged for 18 to 22 months in new barrels.

 

This wine has a unique character that combines power and density with refined elegance and pure expression. It offers complex aromas with floral nuances characteristic of great Pomerol wines, a deep texture accompanied by velvety tannins and an incredible length on the palate. Its ability to age for several decades makes it an exceptional wine sought after worldwide.

 

The best vintages of Petrus

 

A total of 11 vintages have received a 100% Parker rating: Petrus 1921, 1929, 1947, 1989, 1990, 2000, 2009, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018

 

It is worth mentioning the Petrus vintages 1945, 1950, 1970, 1975, 1982, which are also magnificent.

 

 

Food and wine pairings

 

Petrus wine pairs wonderfully with character-rich dishes such as red meats (beef, game), dark-meat poultry (duck, guinea fowl), or dishes in sauce. Aged pressed-cooked cheeses (Comté, Gruyère, Emmental) and chocolate desserts also work magnificently with the complexity of Petrus wines.

 

What is the price of a bottle of Petrus?

 

The price of a bottle of Petrus wine obviously depends on the vintage, while prices start around 2000€, they quickly soar and the best years can reach amounts exceeding 6000€. In auction houses, bids can reach astronomical heights, with a bottle being sold for 48,000 euros in 2018. However, these prices will never match the price of the bottle estimated to be the most expensive in the world: the Petrus 2000 "space vintage", which spent 14 months on the ISS and is estimated at 830,000€.

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