MÉDOC and HAUT-MÉDOC

The Médoc, Bordeaux’s largest and best-known wine region, is located on the triangular piece of land between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gironde River estuary in western France. This Left Bank parcel stretches some 50 miles north to south, with varying soils planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc vines. The area comprises two regions: Médoc to the north and Haut-Médoc (the “upper Médoc”) further south.

Wines bearing the simple Médoc designation are produced from vineyards located just north of the village of Saint-Estèphe, flanked by the Gironde River and the Atlantic Ocean. The red wines produced in the Médoc AOC are terrific Bordeaux values, produced for everyday consumption with no long cellaring necessary. These red Bordeaux of Médoc are typically light in style, with fine fruit flavors.

The Haut-Médoc encompasses the famed communes of Saint-Estèphe, Pauillac, Saint-Julien and Margaux, but also includes vineyards surrounding these appellations. The wines from these surrounding vineyards are labeled Haut-Médoc AOC. They share many of the traditions and qualities of their prestigious neighbors, but are generally produced in a lighter style with fragrant aromas.