Médoc French wine appellation guide: location, history, wines, climate & soil
Médoc is a historic Left Bank Bordeaux appellation on the northern part of the Médoc peninsula, producing classic, structured Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot reds, with many excellent Crus Bourgeois at fair prices.
More info about Médoc
Geographic position
Southwestern France, in the Gironde, on the left bank of the Gironde estuary, in the northern Médoc (Bas-Médoc) from Saint-Seurin-de-Cadourne up to the tip of the peninsula at Soulac, between the estuary and the Atlantic pine forests.
Origin & history
The name comes from the Latin "in medio aquae" (in the middle of the waters), for this land between estuary and ocean. In the 17th century Dutch engineers drained the marshes, allowing vineyards to flourish. The Médoc AOC was created in 1936 and its Crus Bourgeois classification recognises its best estates.
Wines & grape varieties
Red wine only, blending Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (often a higher share of Merlot than further south), with Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Expect blackcurrant, plum, cedar, graphite and firm, fresh tannins.
Climate & soil
Temperate oceanic climate moderated by the estuary and the Atlantic. Gravel outcrops (croupes) over clay and limestone, with more clay than the Haut-Médoc.
Wine region: Bordeaux
Grape varieties: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot