Médoc
The Médoc is situated north of the town of Bordeaux, on the left bank of the Gironde. Médoc is divided in two parts, the Haut-Médoc in the south, near the town, and the north part traditionally called Médoc.
Wines from Médoc are red. They are delicate, medium colored, they are fine and elegant; often tannic when young, harmonious and splendid when matured.
Grands crus classés in Médoc count for 25% of the vineyards, 20% of the production and about 50% of the sales. However none sells under the Médoc appellation but Haut-Médoc, Pauillac, Margaux, Saint Julien, Saint-Estèphe and Chateau Haut-Brion in Pessac Léognan.
Médoc wine information:
Appellation:
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:
(recommended) 2003, 2000, 1998, 1995
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
