Atlas de la France vinicole - Les vins de Bordeaux - Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Néac, Côtes de Fronsac, Côtes Canon-Fronsac 1941

The 1941 original map by L. Larmat, titled "Atlas de la France vinicole – Les vins de Bordeaux: Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Néac, Côtes de Fronsac, Côtes Canon-Fronsac", offers a detailed and visually elegant portrayal of one of the most renowned wine-producing areas in Bordeaux. Printed by Dorel in Paris, this map belongs to Larmat’s famous atlas, which meticulously documents the viticultural regions of France. The Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Néac, and Fronsac areas, represented in this map, form part of Bordeaux’s Right Bank, known for its prestigious red wines.

The Saint-Émilion appellation, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Bordeaux’s oldest and most historically significant wine regions. Located on the Right Bank of the Dordogne River, it is famous for its rich, Merlot-based wines, often blended with Cabernet Franc. Larmat’s map illustrates the unique geographical features that define this region, including its limestone plateau, clay-limestone slopes, and gravelly terraces. These soil variations, along with the region’s moderate climate, create the ideal conditions for producing some of the most elegant and long-lived wines in the world.

To the northwest of Saint-Émilion lies Pomerol, a much smaller but equally prestigious appellation. Though Pomerol lacks the official classifications found in other Bordeaux regions, it is home to some of the world’s most sought-after wines, such as the legendary Château Pétrus. Larmat’s map carefully details the area’s vineyard sites, highlighting its gravelly and clay-rich soils, particularly the blue clay found in some of the top estates, which plays a crucial role in producing wines with exceptional depth, structure, and complexity. The focus here is again on Merlot, which thrives in Pomerol’s distinctive terroir, producing rich, velvety wines with dark fruit, truffle, and earthy notes.

Adjacent to Pomerol is the lesser-known but rising Néac appellation, often associated with Lalande-de-Pomerol, producing wines that share many characteristics with Pomerol’s prestigious offerings but at a more approachable price. Larmat’s map outlines the boundaries and vineyards of Néac, highlighting its importance within the broader Right Bank wine region. The clay and gravel soils found here contribute to wines that are approachable in their youth, offering red and black fruit flavors with a smooth, rounded texture.

Further west, the Côtes de Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac appellations are also featured prominently on the map. Historically important wine regions, the Fronsac area has been producing wines since Roman times. During the 18th century, the wines of Fronsac were more renowned than those from Saint-Émilion and Pomerol. However, over time, they became less well-known, though they remain a hidden gem for wine enthusiasts. The Côtes de Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac appellations are situated on hilly terrain with limestone and clay soils, offering excellent drainage and sunlight exposure, crucial for ripening Merlot and Cabernet Franc grapes. Larmat’s map provides a detailed look at these regions, underscoring their historical and viticultural significance.

Produced during the challenges of World War II, this map serves as a reminder of France’s enduring connection to its wine culture, even in difficult times. The Larmat atlas reflects the pride and precision of French winemaking, with this particular map showcasing some of the Right Bank’s most prestigious and storied appellations. The map is both a practical tool for understanding vineyard geography and an artistic expression of France’s deep-rooted vinous heritage.

Larmat’s cartography in this piece is both scientifically accurate and aesthetically refined. The vineyards are carefully marked with colored contours to indicate elevation changes and soil types, providing a visual representation of the terroir’s complexity. The Dordogne River, which plays an important role in moderating the climate of Saint-Émilion and its neighboring appellations, is clearly depicted, as are the surrounding villages, châteaux, and landmarks that have long defined this prestigious wine region.

Collectors and wine enthusiasts prize this map for its historical significance and detailed insight into the terroir of some of Bordeaux’s most famous appellations. It highlights the vineyards and estates that produce some of the world’s greatest wines, including Château Ausone and Château Cheval Blanc in Saint-Émilion, and Château Pétrus in Pomerol, as well as the rising stars of Fronsac and Canon-Fronsac.

This 1941 map is not only a functional resource for wine professionals but also a beautiful piece of history. Its combination of artistry and precision makes it a timeless artifact, capturing a moment in time when French viticulture, particularly in Bordeaux, was facing both continuity and challenge. For anyone passionate about Bordeaux wines, Larmat’s depiction of Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Néac, and Fronsac offers a rich, visual understanding of what makes these regions so extraordinary.

Original Poster

Alcohol - Map - Gironde - France

Dorel - Paris

Good condition, original folds