Médoc

The wines of the Medoc, Bordeaux

The designation of Medoc (PDO), in Bordeaux is located along the Gironde estuary, almost 55 km northwest of Bordeaux, and therefore remains the most northerly designation of Bordeaux region. The Medoc generic term includes as a whole 8 appellations from the Left Bank: 2 sub-regional (Medoc & Haut Medoc) and 6 villages designations (Saint Estephe, Pauillac, Saint Julien, Moulis en Medoc, Listrac Medoc , Margaux). On the other hand, the Medoc PDO, with an area of ​​5,473 Ha, produces only blended red wines based on merlot, cabernet-sauvignon, a small amount of cabernet-franc and a tiny percentage Petit Verdot and Malbec. The soils of the Haut Medoc appellation are better-drained because they are more gravelly than in the Medoc, hence probably a more recognised terroir than the one of Medoc (Haut Medoc including 5 Crus Classes in 1855). On the other hand, the Medoc AOC benefits from the imposing width of Gironde, and from its moderating action on thermal excess which promotes the mixing of air which helps to avoid late spring frosts (as in 2017). The Medoc PDO has no Cru Classe from 1855 classement. However, some Crus Bourgeois managed to distinguish themselves from the rest, like the following Chateaux: La Cardonne, Leboscq, Les Grands Chenes, Les Ormes Sorbet, Patache d'Aux, Potensac, La Tour de By , Tour-Haut-Caussan, Tour St Bonnet… The red wines of the Medoc designation are generally not very deep and not very powerful, generally should be drunk in their first years while still fresh and rich on fruits aromas. However, some Châteaux like La Tour St Bonnet require several years of aging to soften their tannins and can be stored for up to 10 years in their best vintages such as 2015, 2014, 2010, 2009, 2005. Looking at food and wine pairings, you can easily pair the red wines from Medoc with terrines, a grilled entrecote, or a pan-fried porcini mushrooms.

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