Medoc Wine Tour

The Medoc is a wine region in the Gironde department of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of France. It is located north of Bordeaux, along the Gironde estuary, and includes renowned vineyards such as Pauillac, Saint-Estèphe and Margaux. The region is also known for its historic architecture, with many chateaux and wineries, as well as its landscape of pine forests and coastal marshes.

The Medoc vineyards are divided into several sub-regions, each with its own characteristics and producing distinct wines. The main sub-regions of the Médoc include

Pauillac: This region is famous for its high quality wines and prestigious châteaux, such as Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Mouton Rothschild. The wines of Pauillac have a solid tannic structure and aromas of blackcurrant and blackberry.

Saint-Estèphe: Wines from Saint-Estèphe have aromas of ripe red fruit, chocolate and spice, and tend to be more robust and rustic than those from Pauillac. The region includes châteaux such as Château Montrose and Château Cos d’Estournel.

Margaux: The Margaux region is known for its elegant, racy wines, which have a nice tannic structure and aromas of red fruits and flowers. The wines of Margaux are often considered the most aromatic of the Médoc. The region is famous for its châteaux such as Château Margaux and Château Palmer.

Saint-Julien: The wines of Saint-Julien have aromas of blackcurrant and black cherry, and tend to be fuller-bodied and more intense than the wines of Margaux. The region is famous for its châteaux such as Château Léoville-Las Cases and Château Ducru-Beaucaillou.

Haut-Médoc: The Haut-Médoc region is made up of lower quality land than the other Médoc regions, but it produces fine and charming wines. The wines are often less expensive and tend to be fruitier and lighter than the other Médoc crus. Haut-Médoc châteaux such as Château Cantemerle, Château La Lagune and Château Belgrave are very popular.

Medoc wines are produced from grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which produce rich, tannic and fruity wines. Medoc wines are also known for their ability to age for many years, often becoming more complex and harmonious with time.

Medoc wines are classified into five different categories according to their quality:

Crus Bourgeois: this is a classification that rewards châteaux that produce wines of medium to high quality.

Crus Bourgeois Supérieurs: this is a category above the Crus Bourgeois that rewards châteaux that produce very high quality wines.

Crus Classés : This is an official classification established in 1855 which recognises the most prestigious châteaux in the Medoc. These classified growths are the best known and most sought after. They are considered as Crus classés in 1855, 1856, 1866 and 1855.

Grands Crus Classés: This is a classification above the crus classés which rewards the most renowned châteaux of the Medoc. There are 5 Grands Crus Classés: Château Margaux, Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour, Château Haut-Brion and Château Mouton Rothschild
Medoc wines are produced from grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which produce rich, tannic and fruity wines. Medoc wines are also known for their ability to age for many years, often becoming more complex and harmonious with time.