Currently, Libourne is the largest city in the north of the department of Gironde. Nestled in the heart of an important wine region, the town has a very interesting history. As you visit it, you will go from surprise to surprise.
What there is to know about Libourne
The city of Libourne was founded in the 13th century on behalf of the King of England. At the time, it was only a bastide built by Roger de Leybourne, seneschal of Gascony. From its creation, the town served as a port. All goods from Europe transited through it.
Libourne is also a city where many historical and cultural monuments are gathered. To mention only the castles of Sales or Pintey, the church Saint-Jean-Baptiste or the gendarmerie school.
The town also hosts several places dedicated to culture. Visit the fine arts museum where sculptures, drawings and paintings are waiting for you. You can also visit the Carmel Chapel, a former convent that hosts temporary exhibitions.
The city of Libourne is surrounded by two appellation areas
Part of the town of Libourne is located on the Saint-Émilion AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) while the other part is on the Pomerol AOC. The wines of the Saint-Emilion appellation are the result of the blending of different grape varieties. They are mainly composed of Merlot mixed with Cabernet Franc or a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Not far from the Saint-Emilion plateau, you will find the Pomerol appellation. With a surface area of 785 hectares, the production area benefits from a soil where clay, gravel and sand are mixed. The temperate oceanic-type climate blowing over the region is quite warm and allows producers to grow the grapes on flat surfaces.
During a visit of the wine cellars near Libourne, you will learn that the AOC Pomerol produces only red wines. These are made from black grapes. Namely Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon, Côtes, Merlot and Petit Verdot.
Places to visit for a visit of wine cellars near Libourne
To learn more about the vineyards surrounding the city of Libourne, here are some addresses to know.
If you are going to Saint-Émilion, make a stop at the Château La Croix Meunier. Here you will learn a lot about the viticultural processes used to transform Merlot and Cabernet Franc into exceptional wines.
You will also find out which environmentally friendly techniques are favoured there. During your visit on site, you will be able to taste a wine produced near Libourne which is the Saint-Émilion Grand Cru appellation. You will appreciate fleshy products with notes of blackcurrant and morello cherries.
Still in Saint-Émilion, you will find the Château Cantenac. This family-run business produces exceptional wines. Moreover, it has many labels such as Vignobles et Découvertes or Les Routes des Vins de Bordeaux.
These indicate the quality of the welcome offered by the owners. During your visit, discover the premises and enjoy the château's products. If you come in group, you will be entitled to a private tasting of wines produced near Libourne.
Some of these winemakers wines are available Buy wine online
