Médoc is the region that encompasses the smaller appellations of Pauillac, Margaux, St.-Estèphe & St.-Julien. As a larger appellation, it contains many Chateaux that are the same style of the smaller appellations, but a smaller price. Two regions of the Médoc – the Bas Médoc (or lower-Médoc) and the Haut Médoc (or upper-Médoc) – so given the names as the Bas Médoc is lower elevation (yet northern) and the Haut Médoc is higher elevation (but south of Bas Médoc). Most wines come from the Haut Médoc, although many wines carry just the appellation Médoc.
Notable Facts:
Situated in the Haut-Médoc, west of the river are Listrac & Moulis. These two communes have their own designation, not just the overall “Haut-Médoc.” Between these two appellations and the river lie many Médoc chateaux producing delicious, Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines, most-often at a good value. Wines of the Médoc and Haut-Médoc appellation are less expensive, yet delicious, ways to experience the left bank of Bordeaux.
About France - Bordeaux:
The region is one of the largest, if not the largest, in the world. If Bordeaux were a country, it would rank 5th in wine production on its own! That's a lot of wine. And while Bordeaux is often associated with expensive bottles meant for decades in the cellar, the majority of Bordeaux wine is meant to be drunk young and enjoyed with food.
Geography: Located off the Atlantic Ocean in southwest France, Bordeaux is most often separated into two parts –the right bank and the left bank. On the left bank, Cabernet Sauvignon rules, and the Medoc region hugs the west side of the Gironde river. Within the Medoc are the four top communes of (from north to south) St.-Estphe, Paulliac, St.-Julien and Margaux. These communes make some pretty sought-after red wines from chateaux with big names. Being that the main grape is Cabernet Sauvignon, the wines are fairly tannic and muscular. Below the Medoc, following the river as it turns, lies the Graves region. Named as such for its gravelly soils, Graves is home to some top white wine regions like Pessac-Léognan (for dry whites) and the sweet wine regions of Sauternes and Barsac.
The right bank of Bordeaux is where Merlot and Cabernet Franc shine best. Merlot is typically used more in the blends, which means the wines of the right bank are often slightly softer and rounder than the left bank Cabernet-based wines. The heart of the right bank is the city of St.-Émilion and the wine region that surrounds it. Next door is Pomerol, a small but intense red wine producer. Other areas include Côtes du Bourg & Côtes du Blaye, Fronsac & Canon-Fronsac, and Ctes de Castillon. Bordeaux has other regions that are making wine – some of it great value!
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