Médoc PDO

The Médoc is one of the most prestigious vineyards in the Bordeaux wine region. Located on the left bank of the Gironde, this vineyard has world-famous communal AOCs: Saint-Estephe, Margaux, Pauillac... The Médoc is also the name of a red AOC wine, which leads to some confusion, especially as it can be produced throughout the vineyard area. This appellation also counts many Crus Bourgeois, ideal for Bordeaux wine lovers.

General presentation of the Medoc appellation

The Bordeaux vineyard is made up of several viticultural subdivisions, including the Médoc. This vast region spreads out to the northwest of Bordeaux, on the left bank of the Gironde. It is the source of several AOCs, including the Médoc appellation. Its production area covers the entire vineyard. It is thus possible to produce a Medoc AOC in Pauillac, Saint-Estèphe, Margaux, Moulis or Saint-Julien. But it is essentially in the northern part of the Médoc that the wines take root, on the northern part of the Gironde peninsula.

With more than 5,700 hectares of vines planted throughout the Médoc vineyards, the AOC benefits from a variety of terroirs and climates. However, the soils are mainly gravel. The grape varieties are those of the Bordeaux region. Cabernet Sauvignon dominates, followed by Merlot. The red wines of the Medoc appellation also include Cabernet Franc, Carménère, Malbec (or Côt) and Petit Verdot.

Characteristics of the Medoc

The variety of the soils is at the origin of red wines just as varied. Their colour is most often a deep, dark ruby; it can also evoke the red and brightness of garnet. The aromatic palette of the Medoc is always bewitching, with an unparalleled richness. One can detect aromas of red fruits such as redcurrant, cooked fruits and jam. The aromas of cocoa beans and chocolate, spices, liquorice and undergrowth further enrich this elegant nose. With time, animal and roasted notes appear.

Two types of wine can be distinguished. The first are full-bodied, powerful and tannic in their youth. They need to be aged for at least 5 years before being enjoyed. The second are more subtle, lighter, more fruity and can be enjoyed in their youth. They are all structured wines, robust and round in the mouth, with substance.

The AOC Medocs are medium to long-keeping wines. They age for 5 to 10 years in the cellar, or even longer for the best of them.

How to taste a Medoc

A red wine from the Medoc appellation is particularly recommended to accompany richly flavoured dishes. They are particularly good with grilled red meat and game: entrecote, rib of beef, roast beef, venison, stew, leg of lamb, duck, pigeon, hare... On a cheese platter, powerful flavours are also a good match for a Medoc: saint-nectaire, munster, brie fermier, camembert, édam, roquefort...

Serve a Medoc AOC at a temperature between 15 and 17°.