If we move north from the town of Bordeaux, while going on the left bank of Gironde, we reach Medoc. It is divided into two parts called the Haut-Médoc which is the south part and the north part also called the Médoc.The specialty of Médoc are the red wines. These wines are medium colored, elegant, fine, tannic and delicate when they are still young, but as they grow old and mature, they acquire a splendid harmonious taste.

25% of the vineyards in Medoc is Grands crus classés which also constitutes about 20% of the total production and also approximately 50% of the sales. The Medoc appellation is however not sold but they are sold under the trade names of  Haut-Médoc, Pauillac, Margaux, Saint Julien, Saint-Estèphe and Chateau Haut-Brion in Pessac Léognan.

Appellation: Médoc Controlée, 140 Crus Bourgeois

Location: North of Médoc wine area, between Blanquefort and Saint Seurin de Cadourne Places: Blanquefort, Bégadan, Saint Christoly de Médoc, etc

Soil: Gravels, Clayey-limestone

Size: 4,900 ha (12,000 acres)

Vineyards: About 650 vine growers

Production: 40 million bottles, No white wine
Most important red wine producing area Grapes in Médoc: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot

Type of wine: Fruity full-body red wine Age: 5 to 10 years Vintages:
Aromas: Oak, Red fruits, Spices, Vanilla

Food: Red meat, Roasted beef, Ham, Rabbit in mustard sauce

Médoc Wine and Cheese: Beaufort, Emmental, Ossau-Iraty, Roquefort, Saint Nectaire

Haut-Médoc

The south side of the Medoc region is called the Haut-Medoc. It is the base of 5 Great Growths also called the Grands Crus Classés. The others are in the smaller sized appellations and are in the adjacent regions like Pauillac, Margaux, Saint Julien, Saint Estèphe.

Just like the Médoc, Haut-Medoc is also an area which produces red wine. The typical Haut-Medoc is a red wine which is not too powerful, it is generous and has a deicate bouquet of black fruits and the scent and essence of vanilla.

Filed under: France