Médoc is one of Bordeaux’s most exciting wine regions. This French land produces wines which are so unique and exceptional that Napoleon III had an official classification specially drawn up for them in 1855. Here are 7 things you should know about Medoc wines.
About the Medoc Appellation
Medoc extends over 5,653 hectares, in the northern part of the Medoc wine region. This sub-region extends over 80 km long and 10 km wide, from the gates of Bordeaux to the Atlantic shore. The Medoc sub-region has two major sub-appellations: Haut-Medoc in the south and Medoc in the north. Between Saint-Estèphe and Saint-Julien, Pauillac wine is marked by Cabernet Sauvignon. This Medoc wine is racy, mellow and sappy.
The Terroir of Medoc Wines
The Medoc appellation alternates soils of gravel and other clay-limestone. The climate is strongly influenced by the nearby ocean frontage. It also benefits from the temperance of the water mass of the Gironde which borders it, avoiding temperatures that are too low in winter and too hot in summer.
The Climate of the Medoc
Between the Atlantic Ocean and Gironde, the Medoc vineyard is subject to a mild and humid temperate oceanic climate. The forest of Landes protects the vineyard from the winds coming from the Aquitaine coast. The Atlantic Ocean, the Gironde estuary and the vast Landes woodland release a large quantity of water vapor which regulates and limits the annual temperature range.
The Grape Varieties Medoc Wines
Merlot is the majority (56%), ahead of Cabernet Sauvignon (39%). To complete the list, look for Petit Verdot (3%) and Cabernet Franc (2%). Do wonder what do Medoc wines like Pauillac taste like, you will find the basics to know on bonaffair.com/what-pauillac-wine-taste-like.
The Style of Medoc Wines
The taste of the Medoc wine is well structured thanks to tasty tannins. Wines from gravel are powerful and full-bodied. They can be tannic in their youth and benefit from being waited for 5 to 10 years. Those born on clay-limestone soils are fine, elegant and subtle and can be tasted quite young.
The Main Particularities of Medoc Wines
The red wines produced in the Medoc vineyard have a recognizable signature and a unique character. Their shiny appearance seduces everyone! On the palate, the balance and harmony of these wines is remarkable. Younger, Medoc wines are full of finesse. Once aged, they become more intense and more corpulent. Medoc region also produces white wines, but they represent less than 1% of the vineyard.
The Best Medoc Chateaux
Among the best Medoc wines brands are Latour, Lafite Rothschild, Margaux, Lagrange, Calon-Ségur and Palmer.
