Médoc wine district, in the wine region of Bordeaux, is situated just northwest of the city of Bordeaux, a charming city with the Cité du Vin, built in 2016, a beautiful architectural glass masterpiece and museum where you will find a fantastic experience center for wine for the whole family.
The district of Médoc is actually a peninsula between the Atlantic coast and the estuary La Gironde. In Médoc you will find some of France’s most prestigious wines, certainly some of the world’s most expensive wines and perhaps some of the most famous wines ever produced.
Médoc is divided into three sections: Landes du Médoc, Bas-Médoc and Haut-Medoc. In addition to the smaller area of Haut-Brion, all these areas are included in the official classification of Bordeaux wines from 1855. There are approximately 16,000 hectares of vineyards in Médoc including the smaller appellations and approximately 5500 hectares of wines are dedicated to the production of Médoc AOC and AOP- wines. Some of the best wines of Médoc are traditionally produced by literally hundreds of small, ambitious vineyards.
The terroir in Médoc is protected from the cold, salty winds from the Atlantic by the forests in Landes and is basically gravel, clay and limestone. The soils are well-drained and ideal of course, for growing blue grapes such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec.
Typically Médoc wines are tasteful, rich and elegant wines with delicate tannins, and full of aromas like red ripe fruits, herbs and spices. The wines are suitable for red meat and game as well as tasty french cheeses.
Discover interesting vineyards in Médoc:
Château Moulin à Vent – an ”All Female” Vineyard
This castle is the characteristic for a traditional French château that has existed for over 200 years. Built in the beginning of the 19th century and the vineyards from 1873. The grapes Merlot and Cabernet Franc are thriving on the characteristic soil of Médoc and in a temperate climate.
It is actually only women who run this vineyard. Reine, the manager is assisted by Florence in administration and Pilar in the vineyard to assure that the work at Château Moulin à Vent runs smoothly. Together they create powerful elegant and sensual wines.
- Appellation: AOC Moulis-en-Médoc
- Activities: wine tasting at Château Moulin à Vent
- Price: € 5
Château du Taillan – a National Heritage!
The family-owned estate of Chateau du Taillan in Haut-Médoc with its 30 hectares, is one of the most attractive vineyards in the Gironde. The vineyards date back to the 18th century and are run by the 5th generation of the family Cruse since 1896. The wonderful old pink marble wine cellars and the beautiful château are today classified as a French national heritage. Chateau du Taillan produces the famous red Cru Bourgeois along with the popular white wine, La Dame Blanche.
Participate in guided tours and wine tasting all year round and tasting of two wines together with French cheese and charcuterie.
- Appellation: AOC Haut-Médoc, AOC Bordeaux Blanc, AOC Bordeaux Rosé
- Activities: wine tasting at Château du Taillan
- Price: € 26
Château Nouret – Award Winning Wines!
'Quality not quantity' is the formula of the dedicated wine team at Château Nouret with its more than 21 hectares situated in Southern Médoc. Here you can find a variety of soils with mainly clay, gravel and sand, nourishing the grapes, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, grown in equal amounts.
Château Nouret creates classic Bordeaux wines to perfection. Not surprisingly, a gold medal was awarded at the Bordeaux Wine Awards for its 2014 Château Nouret.
- Appellation: AOC Medoc
- Activities: Wine tasting at Château Nouret
- Price: € 15