Haut-Médoc French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Haut-Médoc is a major Left Bank Bordeaux appellation surrounding the famous communes of Margaux, Pauillac, Saint-Julien and Saint-Estèphe, producing structured, Cabernet-led reds that age gracefully.
More info about Haut-Médoc
Geographic position
Southwestern France, in the Gironde, on the left bank of the Gironde estuary, stretching about 60 km from Blanquefort just north of Bordeaux to Saint-Seurin-de-Cadourne, in the southern part of the Médoc peninsula.
Origin & history
The marshy Médoc was drained by Dutch engineers in the 17th century, opening the way for great wine estates. Five Haut-Médoc châteaux, such as La Lagune and Cantemerle, were included in the 1855 Classification, and many Crus Bourgeois are found here. The AOC was created in 1936.
Wines & grape varieties
Red wine only, blending Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Expect blackcurrant, cedar, graphite and firm tannins.
Climate & soil
Temperate oceanic climate moderated by the estuary and the Atlantic. Deep gravel ridges (croupes) over clay and limestone, ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon.
Wine region: Bordeaux
Grape varieties: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot