Wine Facts Online: Kinds of Wine: Wine By Region: Europe: France: Bordeaux: Left Bank: Medoc: Margaux The Château Palmer is one of the leading Margaux estates. This photo is in the public domain. An impressive 21 out of 61 out of the Médoc's classified wines are in Margaux. Margaux has only one of the 1ers crus, but supports itself with five 2ers crus, no less than ten 3ers crus, three 4ers crus, and two 5ers crus. As a result, even the most snobbish wine aristocrats will find at least one wine to buy here, and average wine drinkers will be able to find reasonably priced wine. Commonly cited examples of great wines outside the classification include châteaux Labegorce-Zede and Siran. One of the five 1ers crus in Médoc is from Margaux. Château Margaux: This 800-year-old estate has been among the top Margaux producers since it started making wine. Thomas Jefferson, on a trip to Bordeaux, cited it as a particularly good manufacturer of wine.

The quality of the wine suffered from instability in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Then a change of ownership brought the wine's old reputation back. Although the gap between the château and its lower-rated competitors is nowhere near as large as the classification would lead one to believe, it is usually considered the top estate in its appellation. This wine is a fixture in the cellars of all serious Bordeaux collectors. Pure, silky tannins, a velvety texture, and a diversity of powerful but smooth flavors make Margaux what it is. Although the 2005 vintage is especially acclaimed, vintages such as 2004 are also highly subtle and feature layered aromas and flavors. Wines from this château generally cost $200 at the least, range up to $600 or so for good vintages, and are between $1,000 and $2,000 for the 2005.

Five of the 14 2ers crus are in Margaux: Château Brane-Cantenac: This château was owned by a devoted baron who named the winery after himself (Brane) and the commune it was listed under (Cantenac.) Despite the long history, quality has been up and down, but since showing a strong revival in the 1990s and 2000s, the wine showcases noble flavors and a good compromise between elegance and complexity. Prices have charted the wine's increase in popularity, rising to consistently $70, so this château will rarely be a place to find a bargain. Château Durfort-Vivens: This winery is now owned by the same people that own Brane-Cantenac. If history repeats itself, this affordable wine is soon to increase greatly in quality...and price. Right now, the wines are obscure and are hard to find even at superstores, but are well-priced at less than $50.

Château Lascombes: Just like several of the other 2ers crus in Margaux, Lascombes had a long history of great wine, was classified highly in 1855, continued to make great wine, and then suddenly turned around and ran up a bad reputation in the 1950s and 1960s, possibly due to a change of ownership. The wine improved somewhat, but it has really gotten better since being acquired by an American firm in 2001, which has modernized the château's technique and brought its reputation back up to spec. Highly structured but opulent and aromatic, the wine now showcases typical Margaux flavors. Par prices are at $70 now, but are likely to be on the rise soon. Château Rauzan-Gassies: This wine sank into obscurity after a long, colorful history. Powerful but as refined as any Margaux, the wines are not unlikely to make a comeback. Right now, prices (around $40) are hard to resist considering the prestigious appellation. For bargain hunters wanting to add a Margaux to their collection, this is a wine to look at for sure.

Château Rauzan-Ségla: Much more prominent than the other Rauzan, Rauzan-Ségla has optimized its land and gained a solid critical pedigree. These wines tend towards being a little fuller than your average Margaux, but underneath strong tannins they have the same refined flavors. Overall an elegant style is the norm. The highly praised 2005 vintage costs $130, but other vintages are usually much more affordable. A majority—10—of the 14 3ers crus are from Margaux: Château Boyd-Cantenac: This wine is classical in flavor, but also in price, rarely available for under $40. The 2005 promises optimum flavors, but is around $65. Château Cantenac-Brown: Easily recognized by its distinctive brown label, this château provides reliably good wine that is also inexpensive. (Except in 2005, when prices inflated along with other Bordeaux of the vintage.) Flavors are slightly fuller and more rich than a typical Margaux, but by no means are they unrefined.

Château Desmirail: In certain vintages, this wine can be a good bargain. Flavors are typical of Margaux, and prices are often under $40. Château Ferrière: Easy-drinking Margaux can provide unusual flavors, but enjoys a somewhat controversial style. Whether or not you like its style, the sub-$40 price range is undoubtedly one of the better bargains that can be found in this appellation. Several bottles of grand cru Margaux. This photo is in the public domain. Château Giscours: A full-bodied Margaux that can lack the nuance of its more expensive 2er cru brothers, but its reputation has been almost vertically rising in recent years and it is now showing an ability for at least 2er cru status. It is austerely structured, and the tannins are stern, but with time Margaux's iconic flavors will show through. The 2005 vintage broke Wine Spectator's Top 100 of 2008, with prices of about $100. Other vintages are less expensive. This wine can be considered one of the best 3ers crus.

Château d'Issan: Robert Parker seems to favor this wine, although other critics are not nearly so excited. A long history of ups and downs has led this château to be one of the classic underperformers, meaning that its reasonably priced wines often have serious potential for appreciation. Prices are on the increase. Château Kirwan: From a long history, this wine has sunk into an undistinguished obscurity. Prices, when the wine is available, are still rather high. However, a change in management is in the works so the story may change shortly. Château Malescot St-Exupery: This wine shows that Margaux doesn't always have to hold back on the tannins. Indeed, it offers extremely powerful tannins as well as the layered, complex fruit that Margaux is known for. Oddly, though, Merlot proportions are rather high at this château. Not everyone loves their style, since it departs somewhat from Margaux's characteristic flavors, but Wine Spectator placed it at #18 on the Top 100 list of 2008. This château may be underclassified.

Château Marquis d'Alesme Becker: Despite 500 years of reputable planting, this wine does not always provide either good bargains or optimum quality in its appellation, requiring buyers to be selective. Plantings consist of about 45% Merlot, far more than most other Margaux houses. Château Palmer: This wine remains painfully underclassified, since it is definitely of high 2er cru strength. This château was an appropriate 3er cru for many years; the turnaround started only in the late 1980s, and since then it has brought Palmer to the forefront of Margaux. Critics agree that the wine has more power, but not necessarily less refinement, than Château Margaux itself. It is a modern style, but retains classicist flavors and production methods. Not surprisingly, none of Palmer's wines are bargains, with $150 just the starting point. A 1994 Château Margaux. Licensing and other info here .

Three of the 10 4ers crus hail from Margaux: Château Marquis de Terme: This wine is not particularly reputable, though low prices could become good values if the château stages a turnaround. Château Pouget: Very little information is available about this wine, which has apparently become obscure since the classification. Château Prieuré-Lichine: The most interesting part of this château is its history. Originally, the house was inhabited by a priory, hence the first part of its name. Centuries later, French wine writer Alexis Lichine bought the château and attached his own name to it. Nowadays, the wine can provide good bargains and generally has a good pedigree among critics. Only two of the eighteen 5ers crus are from Margaux, which is a good indication of the village's high average quality. Château Dauzac: This wine's distinguishing characteristic is its high Merlot percentage, which makes it unusual and, for some critics, undesirable. Generally, though, ratings are reasonably high. The main caveat of the wine is the price, which at $50-odd is typical for Margaux, but high for a 5er cru.

Château du Tertre: Ups and downs have distinguished this château since its very inception. Proportions are extremely odd, with 20% Cabernet Franc in the vineyards, and traditionalists will not favor this wine. But in its good years, flavors can be a modernists' delight, and prices are seldom inflated. Subregions Any detailed description of the subregions within Margaux, most of which have been phased out anyway, would be largely irrelevant in a nontrivial, practical discussion of wine. Buyers should not pay attention to the exact place of origin of the wine if it's Margaux. This is generally true of all the Médoc villages. Château Rauzan-Ségla is a very highly reputed 2er cru in Margaux. Photo by Benjamin Zingg. License: Creative Commons SA 2.5 Generic . Copyright 2009. Margaux Bordeaux Wine Guide Best Chateau, Producers, Character Style du Tertre In this Margaux Bordeaux wine guide, you’ll discover the best Bordeaux wines from Margaux that marry power with elegance, silky tannins and sensuous textures.

Flavors of ripe dark berries, truffle, tobacco, cassis and violets are the signature of the wines from this region located in the southern area of the Medoc . The best wines often have great purity of fruit with velvet like textures. The Bordeaux wines of Margaux, just like those from every wine region come in a variety of shapes, sizes, styles and prices. Generally speaking, the wines of Margaux are the epitome of elegance complicated by their unique floral characteristics. Overview of Margaux: It could be argued that prior to 2000, Margaux was a region known as much for its great terroir and reputation, as it was for the number of chateaux that were under performing based on their true potential to make great wine From the 2000 vintage on, that was no longer the case for the Margaux appellation. Improvements in the Left Bank vineyards and wine making techniques, coupled with the desire to produce the best wines possible from Margaux have sparked numerous chateaux to wake from their deep sleep. Consumers have not had so many high quality Margaux wines to chose from for more than 100 years!

In fact, the wines of Margaux are so consistently good now, I think the appellation has never made wines of this level of quality in the history of the region! Chateau Rauzan Segla , Chateau Malescot St. Exupery , Chateau Brane Cantenac and Chateau Brane Cantenac are all producing the best wines in their history, as is Chateau d’Issan, Chateau Giscours and Chateau Marquis dAlesme . It’s not only the Classified growths of the region that are making better wine in the appellation, today, wines like Chateau Labegorce are also worthy of being noticed! The two best wines of the Margaux region remain Chateau Margaux and Chateau Palmer . While Chateau Palmer has not had a down period since the late 1990’s, following the 2000 vintage, and definitely after the 2004 vintage, Palmer has been remarkably consistent and continue making some of the best wines in their, distinguished history as well! That being said, there are other Classified Growths in Margaux that would be demoted or declassified, should another classification take place.

Interestingly, the Margaux appellation is probably home to the widest array of obscure, 1855 Classified Growths as well. History of Margaux: The Margaux appellation was the first Bordeaux area cultivated for vineyards. There is evidence that the Romans planted grapes in the area almost 2,000 years ago. The famed Roman poet Ausonious poetically called the region Marojallia , which is where the winery known as Marojallia, found its name. Skipping ahead close to 1700 years, Margaux had already earned its well deserved reputation for producing great wine. That reputation caused Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States to visit different chateaux in the region, including Chateau Margaux. Margaux wine and food pairings: The wines of Margaux are easy to pair with a wide array of different foods and cooking techniques. One of the most natural wine and food combinations is Margaux with lamb. Of course Margaux pairs equally well with almost any grilled, braised or roasted meat ranging from beef, veal, pork, duck, pigeon, squab and game. Margaux wines are perfect with roasted chicken, mushrooms, truffles or other earthy dishes.

Fish works well with the wines of Margaux, depending on how the fish was prepared and sauced. Margaux and cheese is also a natural wine and food pairing. The taste , character and style of Margaux wine: Due to its massive size and diverse array of soils, the wines of Margaux are quite varied. While not the most concentrated, powerful or tannic wines of Bordeaux, they can be the most elegant, sensuous, refined and perfumed. With scents of flowers, especially violets and lilacs, the wines also offer when mature; scents of truffle, cigar box, earth, cherry, plum and tobacco. While the levels of concentration, ripeness and depth vary widely, depending on the terroir and desire of the winemaker, the tannins can display unmatched levels of elegance. However, don’t let that the softness fool you into thinking the wines do not age well. The best Margaux wines can age gracefully for several decades. The Top Ten Facts you need to know about Margaux #1 Margaux is the warmest, major appellation in the Left Bank, thus it is almost always the first to harvest.

#2 Margaux is considered to be the first appellation planted for vines by the ancient Romans. #3 The Margaux appellation has the largest concentration chateaux classified in 1855 with 21 classed growths in total. #4 Margaux is the only major appellation with a chateau named after the region, Chateau Margaux. #5 Cabernet Sauvignon is the main grape in Margaux, followed by Merlot , Cabernet Franc , Petit Verdot , Malbec and Carmenere . #6 Margaux wines are among the most floral in all of Bordeaux. Tasters often find aromas of violets in wines from the Margaux appellation. #7 The Margaux appellation is the home of 5, Second Growth chateaux, more than any other appellation. #8 Margaux with 1,355 hectares under vine is the second largest, major appellation in the Medoc. #9 Margaux has the most diverse array of terroir and soil types in Bordeaux ranging from large deposits of gravel, limestone with pebbles, stones and rocks to clay.

#10 Margaux is the home of the smallest vineyard in the 1855 Classification . Chateau Ferriere is only 8 hectares. The Classification of Margaux: With 1,355 hectares under vine, the appellation is just slightly smaller than St. Estephe , making it the second largest, major appellation in the Medoc. Today, close to 80 different chateaux maintain vineyards in the appellation. In total, close to 600,000 cases of wine are produced in the Margaux appellation each year. The Margaux appellation is famous for a multitude of reasons. Maybe it is has something to do with knowing a total of 21 chateaux were included in the original 1855 classification. That is more than any other Bordeaux appellation. While Chateau Margaux deservedly rules the appellation as it is a wine of true, First growth quality, the Margaux region is rich in 1855 Classified Growths.

The commune features: 1 First Growth, 5 Second Growths, 10 Third Growths , 4 Fourth Growths , 2 Fifth Growths and an array of good quality, Cru Bourgeois chateaux. 20 Cru Bourgeois classified growths come from the Margaux appellation. There are a few of those estates that in any serious reclassification could be classed as a Fifth Growth today. Perhaps Chateau Labegorce is the leading estate in this category today. In total, slightly more than 80 producers make wine in the Margaux appellation. The Margaux appellation is the only Bordeaux region, where the most famous chateau is named after the appellation; Chateau Margaux . The sight of perhaps the most famous estate in all of Bordeaux and its stunning portico reminds every wine lover of the Bordeaux wine region. Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States liked the elegant, refined wines of Chateau Margaux so much, that during his visit to the famous chateau, Thomas Jefferson ordered several cases of the 1784! The Left Bank appellation is the home to 5 unique communes; Margaux, Soussans, Arsac, Labarde and Cantenac.

The best vintages of Margaux wines. The top vintages for Margaux are: 2016, 2015, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2006, 2005, 2005, 2000, 1999, 1996, 1995, 1990, 1983, 1961, 1959, 1953, 1945, 1934, 1929, 1928 and 1900. Fans of the wines from Margaux should be thrilled as 2015 is the first vintage in ages where Margaux produced stunning wines from top to bottom! However, vintage charts for Margaux are more complicated to look at than it is with other appellations. For example, in most of the older vintages, you had very few estates making great wine.

In fact, in some of those years, you might only find one estate that made a great wine, which makes buying wine from 1961 or 1990, two years which should be great, fraught with potential disaster for buyers that do not know which chateau made the great wine. 1982 and 1983 are two other interesting vintages for the Margaux appellation. In 1982, truthfully, only Chateau Margaux produced a world class wine. In 1983, it was entirely different as several estates made very good wines, much better on the whole than the rest of Bordeaux did. Earlier vintages were not consistent. Today, that is not the case as the majority of chateau in Margaux are making truly stunning wines!

To read about vintages from Margaux and all the other Bordeaux appellations Bordeaux Vintage Charts 1959 Through Today If you are interested in reading more detailed information on other vintages for Margaux and all the top Bordeaux appellations, please read: Bordeaux Year to Year Detailed Vintage Reports 1900 to Today The terroir and soil of Margaux: The terroir of Margaux is perhaps the most diverse of any of the major Bordeaux appellations due to its size. Because of its size, the terroir naturally varies from chateau to chateau. Like every appellation, the best wines are most often made from the best terroir, which in Margaux, is the terroir with the deep gravel deposits on the elevations and hillsides. The elevations in Margaux range from 1 meter up to 30 meters, with the highest point in the appellation found at Chateau Angludet . Chateau Margaux has the best part of its vines planted in deep gravel soils.

In the Margaux appellation, the terroir features soils with large deposits of gravel, limestone with pebbles, stones, rocks, white gravel and only a minor amount of clay in the vineyards. The preponderance of gravel and lack of clay affords Margaux with some of the poorest soils in Bordeaux, making it perfect for cultivating grapes. The gravel is paramount to helping determine the quality of the wines in Margaux. The gravel helps to provide natural drainage, reflect sunlight, retain heat and force the vines to dig deep into the soils. Of course there are exceptions to every rule and some estates do have more clay content in their terroir than others in the Margaux appellation. Those chateaux with heavier clay deposits plant more Merlot in their vineyards. Because the soils in the Margaux region are often thin and cannot easily hold water, the vines are forced to dig deep into the soil for nourishment. The comparative lack of depth in the terroir of Margaux allows the soils to heat up faster. In turn, this transfer of heat from the soils to the vines help the grapes mature before the other Bordeaux appellations in the Medoc.

The comparative lack of depth in part of the Margaux appellation, coupled with its geographical location as the most southern region in the Left Bank, makes it the warmest area in the Medoc. This has the effect of making Margaux the first appellation in the Left Bank to be picked most of the time. Those thin soils are also why most of the estates in the Margaux appellation do not do so well in the very dry, drought, heat struck vintages. That is because the soils do not always maintain the ability to retain as much water as the vines need. On the other hand, that specific terroir is what gives Margaux wines their elegance and intense, beautiful, floral character, which is often compared to violets. To get an idea on how the soil and terroir of Margaux compares to the other important appellations in Bordeaux; The terroir and soil of Bordeaux The grapes of Margaux: The main grapes planted in the Margaux region are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. While some Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and even Carmenere are planted here as well, they are not the stars of the show.

Dry white Bordeaux wines are also made by some Margaux chateau owners. The white wines are a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semilion. The grapes are grown outside the Margaux appellation which means the wines are not allowed to be sold as from Margaux. The wines are sold as generic Bordeaux Blanc wines. While all the best red wines from Margaux are blends, Chateau Moutte Blanc, a tiny estate makes a wine from 100% Merlot. Bordeaux Wine Regions Bordeaux Bordeaux Wine Bordeaux, in the south-west of France, needs little introduction to anyone with an interest in wine. One of the world's most prolific wine regions, it also manages to rank among the most famous and prestigious. The secrets of Bordeaux's wine success (other than magical Bordeaux Blend ) are its three trump cards: diversity, quality and quantity. The majority of Bordeaux wines are the dry, medium-bodied reds that made the region famous. The finest (and most expensive) of these come from the great chateaux of the Medoc , particularly those in Pauillac and Margaux , and from the "right bank" appellations Saint-Emilion and Pomerol .

The legendary reds are complemented by high quality white wines, both the dry styles of Pessac-Leognan and the sweet, botrytized nectars of Sauternes . (© Wine-Searcher.com) A Bordeaux chateau and vineyards The official Bordeaux viticultural region stretches for 80 miles (130km) inland from the Atlantic coast. It is home to more than 10,000 producers, who turn out a vast quantity of wine each vintage. These range from inexpensive everyday wines through to some of the world’s most expensive and prestigious labels. Bottles of dry red wine produced under the region's generic Bordeaux appellation can be bought for just a few dollars. Those from the top chateaux are regularly traded for several thousand dollars. Bordeaux's climate is well moderated by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the presence of the various rivers (the Dordogne, the Garonne and the Gironde Estuary into which they flow). The region takes its name (which translates roughly as "next to the waters") from the port city of Bordeaux, which serves as its logistical and administrative center.

Summer daytime temperatures hover around 77F (25C), and rarely rise above 86F (30C), while winter brings sub-zero temperatures only occasionally. Even the latitude here (45°N) is moderate: exactly halfway between the equator and the North Pole. The Medoc peninsula feels the maritime influence particularly strongly; local winemakers talk of the gentle breezes and light clouds that take the edge off even the hottest summer days. The region's long, relatively warm summers are ideal for growing late-ripening grape varieties. That is not to say that cool, wet weather in spring and autumn is not a concern here. A fundamental reason that most Bordeaux reds are made from a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon is that these two varieties bud, flower and ripen at different times and rates, which spreads the risk posed by poor weather conditions at flowering or harvest. In years when the autumn is wet, the Cabernet Sauvignon harvest suffers from rot and water-logging, but the earlier-ripening Merlot provides a back-up. When the spring is wet, the Merlot flowers poorly, leaving the Cabernet Sauvignon to take up the responsibility of providing a good harvest.

The vast expanse of pine forest to the south (La Foret des Landes) protects Bordeaux from strong, salt-bearing winds coming off the Atlantic Ocean, although there is a risk of still winter air getting trapped and bringing frost to the Bordelais vineyards. The region's proximity to large masses of water, such as the Atlantic Ocean, the Gironde Estuary and the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, helps to moderate climatic extremes. Merlot is the dominant red wine grape in the vineyards of Bordeaux, followed closely by Cabernet Sauvignon and then Cabernet Franc . Petit Verdot , Malbec and even Carmenere are also permitted. When used in combination, these varieties are variously referred to as a "Bordeaux Blend". Bordeaux's white wines are generally blends of Sauvignon Blanc , Semillon and Muscadelle . While Bordeaux is well regarded for wines produced within specific areas, many of its wines fall under other, far less ambitious appellations. These include Bordeaux, Bordeaux Supérieur and the sparkling-specific Crémant de Bordeaux. Bordeaux also has a distinct and historically significant classification system , which has remained largely unchanged since the middle of the 19th Century.

Few regions can rival Bordeaux in terms of its impact on the wine world. The few contenders include Burgundy , Champagne , Rioja , Chianti and the Napa Valley . Last updated 04-Feb-2016 Margaux Wine - A Guide to the Wines of Margaux Margaux Wine Shop all wines from Margaux Join the Margaux group Margaux Margaux is a commune in the Medoc, which is part of Bordeaux. First growth Ch. Margaux is located there. The wines in this commune are made from a high proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon. All About Wine, Vine by Vine What are the secrets of a winemaker with over one hundred 90+ point wines across decades, appellations, and grapes? Perhaps it’s like any top chef: Add a pinch of this, a dash of that, and voila – you’ve got an award winning product. But decorated Mur... Gregory Dal Piaz Attractive depth on the nose which reveals tobacco, briar and aromas of fruit that are a bit on the wild side. Showing big crushed berry fruit on entry, this is rich and plump with fine tannins. Polished, very civilized with a bit of power to it, thoug...

JonDerry Fresh herbs, dark fruit, raspberry, and cherry nose. Bright flavor, with chewy tannins, good length but perhaps too much earth on the back end. Cannot taste the Cabernet content shining through at this stage. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 5% Pe... duncan 906 I bought this bottle of wine a while ago from a wine merchant in Sussex and I think I paid around £10 for it. Margaux is the largest AOC on the Medoc peninsular and the home of 21 cru classe in the famous 1855 classification. My bottle is not one of t... French Wine Regions France French Wine France – the home of Bordeaux , Burgundy and Champagne – is arguably the world's most important wine-producing country. For centuries, it has produced wine in greater quantity – and of reportedly greater quality – than any other nation. Wine is ingrained in French culture at almost every level of society; it is the drink of both the elite and the common people, and a key symbol in Roman Catholicism, France's majority religion.

The enduring attraction of French wine is not necessarily its volume or prestige, however, but rather the variety of styles available. Consumer preferences have changed over the centuries, encouraging the development of new styles of wine from the terrain and grape varieties available to France's vignerons. Red, white, rosé, sweet, dry, sparkling, opulent, austere, mineral-scented, fruity – French vineyards have produced wines to match each of these descriptors. (© Wine-Searcher) French wine: an enduring tour de force The diversity of French wine is due, in part, to the country's wide range of climates. Champagne, its most northerly region, has one of the coolest climates anywhere in the wine-growing world – in stark contrast to the warm, dry Rhone Valley 350 miles (560km) away in the southeast. Bordeaux, in the southwest, has a maritime climate heavily influenced by the Atlantic ocean to its west and the various rivers that wind their way between its vineyards. Far from any oceanic influence, eastern regions such as Burgundy and Alsace have a continental climate, with warm, dry summers and cold winters.

In France's deep south, Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon enjoy a definitively Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot summers and relatively mild winters. Geology and topography play equally important roles in the diversity of French wine. The country's large number of independently recognized wine regions and sub-regions reflects its wide range of soil types – and the landscapes that created them. Each sub-region can be defined by its particular geographical features, which in turn create specific characteristics in the wines produced there. From the granite hills of Beaujolais to the famous chalky slopes of Chablis and the gravels of the Medoc, the sites on which France's vineyards have been developed are considered of vital importance and are at the heart of the concept of terroir . A region's terroir dictates the grape varieties used to produce its traditional wines. In the days before efficient vine husbandry, vignerons grew whatever was best suited to the local soils and climate, choosing from the (often limited) selection of grape varieties available to them. Thus, the relationship between French wine regions and their key varieties have evolved naturally over many centuries, as exemplified by the close relationship between Pinot Noir and Burgundy.

Where a variety has been used in multiple regions, the style(s) of wine it produces in each also evolved naturally. Compare, for example, the difference between Chardonnay in Champagne (crisp, tart, acidic, sparkling), and in Macon (rounder, riper, richer, fruitier). France's appellation system was created in the early 20th century and has since been imitated in many other countries. This complex system of laws ultimately defines each wine region and its boundaries and imposes strict rules around winemaking practices. Protecting the names of French wines and guaranteeing the quality and provenance of the products themselves are its key objectives. No other country has developed its appellation system to such an extent; as of 2012, there were more than 450 controlled appellations under the AOC titles and a further 150 Vin de Pays/IGP titles. A key factor in the development of the complex, comprehensive categorization of France's wine styles and quality levels is their sheer volume and diversity, as discussed above.

Every year, the country produces more than 50 million hL of wine (6500 million standard bottles) from around 1.9m acres (775,000ha) of vineyards. Last updated 18-May-2015 Wine Facts Online: Kinds of Wine: Wine By Region: Europe: France: Bordeaux: Left Bank: Medoc License: Creative Commons SA 3.0 Unported . The Médoc has had a long history of making very full-bodied red wines with high tannins, low acidity, and medium to high alcohol levels: in other words, the classic Bordeaux blend. While red Bordeaux can be thought of as wine from St-Émilion , Pomerol , or Graves , the Médoc is still considered the quintessential Bordeaux. Located directly to the west and southwest of the Gironde river, the Médoc has optimal climate and soil for the planting and growing of the dean of red grapes, Cabernet Sauvignon . Although machine harvesting has its place, Médoc wineries usually opt to keep quality high and pick manually. Yields are kept low by government limits.

Some white wine is produced, but it is considered second wine and registered under Bordeaux AOC or some other generic appellation--as opposed to Graves, where white wine is a significant part of production. These and other rigorous standards, slightly different for each village in which wine is produced, keep quality high. Médoc AOC itself, although this appellation is not often used, has various rules of its own. Although yields are kept low, vine density is generally high, and quite a bit of wine is produced here. The best châteaux, although they undoubtedly put extraordinary effort into their wines, make excellent profits. A great deal of flavors can be found in the Médoc, and even among the small villages subtle differences abound. In later years, when they are peaking, many of these wines have notes of chocolate and violet, as well as the flavors spurred by the oak aging. Villages such as Margaux, make wines that are less overpoweringly strong than, say, the famously tannic Pauillac. St-Julien is famous for its woody flavor, which is often compared to cedar. History Up until the 1700s, the Médoc was swampy and wet, like the marsh pictured here.

This photo is in the public domain. Up until the 1700s the primary place for Bordeaux red wine was Graves. Graves made full-bodied red wines, and wealthy people all over the world constituted the market. Anything outside of this style was produced in, for example, St-Émilion, and those wines were nowhere near as prestigious as they are now. A changing wine world meant more demand for French wine, and at some point various growers had the bright idea of reconstituting the Médoc land for wine growing. At this point, Médoc was little more than swampy marshland, but authorities saw the potential, and the land was excavated. At the end of a long process, the wines of Médoc became famous and, in time for the classification of 1855, were well-known and well-respected in the wine world, even more than Graves. Only a wine region as suitable for production as the Médoc could have undertaken such a speedy coup d'etat. A century and a half later, the Médoc has changed little, and it remains the top place in Bordeaux, if not in the world, for the style it produces.

Climate and Viticulture The climate of the Médoc, like all Bordeaux regions', is oceanic. Médoc's, though, is more so than other regions, and sometimes this can make the wine unpleasant. In fact, disturbances from the ocean such as excessive rain are the main problem for Bordeaux growers. Despite Médoc's relatively small size, there is great variation in soil. The best regions have gravel and sand in the soil, making Cabernet Sauvignon the top grape. Certain large deposits of clay, however, do exist. In those places, Cabernet Sauvignon is better off as a small part of the blend, or not being planted at all. All four prestigious villages, and the better areas of the Haut-Médoc, have a more gravelly type of soil. The gravel banks that lead down to the Gironde river are particularly good places to grow the grapes. Grape Varieties Any white wine produced in the Médoc has to be grouped under a generic appellation such as Bordeaux AOC, and no wines bearing the Médoc classification are white. As a result, only highly established châteaux whose names will be recognized can afford to produce white wine in these areas.

Probably well over 99% percent of produced wines are red. Regulations vary, but generally the same six grapes are allowed to be used. Click on any of these grape varieties to be taken to a page describing them. Cabernet Sauvignon : The big Cabernet is completely dominant on the Left Bank and even more so in the Médoc in particular. Except for the occasional second wine, almost all wines produced there contain Cabernet Sauvignon in some proportion, and the vast majority have it in over 50% quantities. The usual proportion is about 70% of the total blend. Cabernet thrives in the gravelly, chalky soils of the Médoc, and is easy to harvest and grow, making it producers' favorite grape. Merlot : Although Cabernet Sauvignon in Médoc is excellent in good years, the soil and harvesting techniques of the vintners can often make it just a bit too harsh for most tastes. Merlot's part in the Médoc is much smaller than it is on the Right Bank or even in Graves, but it nevertheless is an important and necessary grape. Merlot on its own is usually bland, so producers generally keep the percentages below 25% or so.

The Médoc is one of declining grape Petit Verdot's last strongholds. This photo is in the public domain. Cabernet Franc : Little Cabernet sinks a long way from its stately position as one of the top two grapes in St-Émilion, as the soil across the river is a different scenario entirely. In fact, use of Cabernet Franc in large proportions is almost unheard of in the Médoc, and they are usually kept in the single digits. For example, Château Lafite-Rothschild generally keeps about 3% Cabernet Franc plantings. Petit Verdot : Despite declining plantings, Petit Verdot is still quite popular in the Médoc. More than a few percent of a blend is rare even there, as the main purpose of the grape is just to give the wine a bit more structure and power. An exception is Château Palmer in Margaux, which has about 6% of their land planted with Petit. Malbec : Now completely overshadowed by Argentinian plantings, French Malbec is neither good nor common. Only under technical rules are the growers allowed to incorporate it.

Very few do, as they have no reason to, and Malbec is on the verge of extinction in Bordeaux. Carménère : Like Malbec, Carménère has declined in popularity in Bordeaux until it has become nearly extinct. Château Brane-Cantenac's vineyards consist of about 0.5% Carmenere. Major Producers We provide the full Médoc classification below; it includes 1ers crus all the way through 5ers crus, their locations, and a brief summary of the wine produced there. Not all these châteaux' wines are regularly available outside of France, but in most cases their distribution is wide enough to guarantee availability in most competitive wine stores or online. The five 1ers crus are as follows: Château Latour. Licensing info here . Château Haut-Brion, Graves: This wine, despite its location in...Graves, was included in the 1855 classification anyway. Apparently, tasters were so impressed by this wine's unmistakable flavors that they decided to include it in the Médoc list.

The wine is extraordinarily solid, with few bad vintages, and usually has about half Cabernet Sauvignon with 40% or so Merlot, and the rest a mix. Château Latour, Pauillac: Although wine fans bitterly dispute whether the primary expression of Pauillac's dense, heavy flavors are found in this wine or in one of the Rothschild châteaux, there is no doubt that Latour is one of the most established wineries in Bordeaux, and rarely does anything less than typify the flavors often associated with the best Pauillac. In the best years, Latours have extremely strong currant and blackberry flavors, and promise 30+ years of in-bottle development. Château Lafite-Rothschild, Pauillac: The multibillionaire Rothschilds have definitely made more profitable investments than Lafite-Rothschild, but their entry into the wine world no doubt helped sculpt their future empire. Although Lafite-Rothschild was always a solid wine, it has apparently improved further in recent years, to perhaps slide past Latour as the defining Pauillac. Even for wealthy drinkers, obtaining a Lafite is a big buy.

The 2005 vintage costs about $1,200, even the average vintage is over $500, and as Lafite-Rothschild's stellar record improves even more, the price will only continue to go up. Château Mouton-Rothschild, Pauillac: Considered less serious than Lafite and Latour, the other Rothschild house is nonetheless close in reputation. The winemaking aptitude and exactitude put into Lafite is doled out in equal measure in Mouton. Mouton's labels are remarkably playful for a wine with its intensity and expense; every year a famous artist is hired to do a drawing for the label front. Château Margaux, Margaux: The village of Margaux is traditionally not as exclusive as Pauillac, with slightly different flavors. Château Margaux, however, provides an entry into the ultraluxury wine market in the Margaux appellation as well. Slightly lighter than the Pauillacs, the Margauxs can be more enjoyable to people less used to monstrous tannins.

Prices are generally around $250, which is actually below average compared to other world-class French wines, especially considering the château's consistency. There are 14 2ers crus, listed here: Château Brane-Cantenac, Margaux: This winery declined since its peak in the 1850s, around the time of the classification. Most wine critics concur that only recently has it begun to return to form. Unusual, reasonably inexpensive for a 2er cru, and with good land, this château is poised to become a popular buy. Château Cos d'Estournel, St-Estèphe: One of the top second growths, Cos d'Estournel wines display all the characteristics required to satisfy most critics: they are heavy and elegant with strong aging potential and only the occasional weak vintage. Cos d'Estournel's prices, though, will always be too high for the average buyer, and too close to 1er prices to make them a good value. Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, St-Julien: This wine is as tannin-intense as all Médocs but offers up slightly more approachable flavors.

It is one of the top houses of St-Julien and in the best years embodies everything that village is known for. Prices and quality are a bit volatile, but as a result values are not hard to find. Château Léoville Las Cases from 1961, a highly desirable year. License info here . Château Durfort-Vivens, Margaux: While it may not be as solid as the best Margaux estates, Durfort-Vivens is owned by the owners of Brane-Cantenac. Considering the latter's recent upswing in quality, Durfort should increase in quality too. Château Gruaud-Larose, St-Julien: Although less regularly cited as a top St-Julien house than Ducru or the Léoville estates, Gruaud-Larose is one of the solid châteaux of that appellation. Heavy but elegant, these well-acclaimed wines are also reasonably priced. Château Lascombes, Margaux: Another wine whose reputation suffered in the 1980s and 1990s, but recovered in the new millennium with a change of ownership and winemaking processes. Strong, purplish, Parker-style wines.

Château Léoville-Barton, St-Julien: Especially intense wine, even for St-Julien, that has a strong pedigree in the Médoc and shows few bad years. A 2006 Léoville-Barton made Wine Spectator's Top 100 of 2009. Prices are low considering Léoville's reputation, often ranging down to $60 or below. Château Léoville-Las Cases, St-Julien: Much more expensive than the other Léovilles, this wine is often similar in style, with such deep flavors that aging of 20 or more years is often necessary to even appreciate the wine. Prices are a bit overblown, though. The consumer must decide for themselves whether the definite superiority of this château is worth a significantly higher price. Château Léoville-Poyferré, St-Julien: The third Léoville is significantly less expensive and less competitive, but captures the essence of St-Julien quite convincingly.

Château Montrose, St-Estèphe: Although Cos d'Estournel is often considered the top wine of St-Estèphe, Montrose's extra-strong wines are certainly in the running. Although full of flavor when young, these wines are better with 10 or more years of age. The tannins should be allowed to fade, so that flavors of berries and slight flower notes may come through. These heavy wines are usually around $100, but they can vary significantly depending on the vintage. Château Pichon-Longueville, Pauillac: According to some wine critics, changes in this château's winemaking techniques have now led it to optimize its excellent land in Pauillac. Recent vintages are perhaps bargains for what they are, even at $100-$150, considering the usually bloated prices of Pauillac. The wine is rich and dark, like all the competitive Pauillacs. Château Pichon-Longueville-Lalande, Pauillac: This strong wine has few bad years, despite some instability in its management history.

Robert Parker seems to have a particular affinity for this wine, but the pedigree is high from almost all critics. Prices can vary, but the style is usually classic with a modern tinge. Château Rauzan-Gassies, Margaux: Rauzan-Gassies is one example of a château that has faded since the classification, though in good vintages it can provide good values. Château Rauzan-Ségla, Margaux: In contrast to the other Rauzan, Rauzan-Ségla is considered to be worth its classification and one of the top Margaux. Rauzan-Ségla is not anywhere near as full-bodied as its Pauillac rivals, displaying a less tannic flavor and stronger perfume. These wines, if conditions coincide, can be elegant in a way rarely seen on the Left Bank. Prices are usually under $100 but are rising. There are 14 3ers crus as well, listed here. Less information is available for the lower crus, so less is provided. For some odd reason, most of these 14 are Margaux.

Château Boyd-Cantenac, Margaux: This wine has become obscure since its prowess in the 1800s. Château Calon-Ségur, St-Estèphe: This less intense, soft but rich St-Estèphe has more than made up for its relatively low classification. Standards are probably more like that of a 2er cru, as are the prices. This wine is especially romantic as the bottle has a large heart on it. Château Giscours, an underclassified Margaux estate. This photo is in the public domain. Château Cantenac-Brown, Margaux: Extremely reasonable full-bodied wine, considering its prestigious appellation, with a distinctive brown label. Prices are usually under $50. Château Desmirail, Margaux: Strong wine that provides bargains considering the appellation. Château Ferrière, Margaux: According to some critics, this wine's $50-odd price tag provides a great bargain for one of the top Margaux houses. Flavors are typical of the appellation. Château Giscours, Margaux: Long-lasting Margaux costing about $100 in good vintages.

Apparently it is one of the more full-bodied wines of the appellation. Château d'Issan, Margaux: One of the obscure 3ers, though it can be a good value if you can find it. Château Kirwan, Margaux: An obscure Margaux that may be improving due to modernization. Château Lagrange, St-Julien: This inconsistent but undervalued wine is one of the few that costs little, but improves with many decades of cellaring. Château La Lagune, Haut-Médoc: The top-classified wine of the Haut-Médoc, La Lagune has prices on par or higher than 3ers crus from the more prestigious villages. Allegedly, the wines can be elegant and are often well worth the price. Château Langoa Barton, St-Julien: Less sophisticated than the other top St-Juliens, this wine probably deserves a place in the 2ers crus nonetheless. Prices are usually around $70, and can easily range into the hundreds. Château Malescot St-Exupery, Margaux: One of the fuller wines of Margaux, this wine also has extremely high levels of powerful fruit.

A 2005 Malescot earned #18 on Wine Spectator's 2008 Top 100 list, an impressive achievement for a 3er cru. Château Marquis d'Alesme Becker, Margaux: One of the most historical estates in the Médoc, this château was established back in the 16th century, but a number of unfortunate events have caused it to remain obscure. Château Palmer, Margaux: Outrageously powerful Margaux full with just about every conceivable flavor. Quality has been strong for decades, but only recently has the wine become outstanding enough to rival Château Margaux. Prices are the only real caveat with this wine: they are always at least $130 and were over $350 in the 2005 vintage. Almost indisputably the best 3er cru, this château really ought to be at least a 2er cru. No less than 10 more wines have the distinction of 4er cru, all but one of which comes from the villages. Château Beychevelle. This photo is in the public domain.

Château Beychevelle, St-Julien: Underrated wine that was experiencing one of its quality downturns when rated in 1855. Nowadays these wines deserve at least 3er cru. Château Branaire-Ducru, St-Julien: Another underrated St-Julien, which can be challenging for its full-bodiedness but rewarding due to unusual flavors. Château Duhart-Milon-Rothschild, Pauillac: Another Rothschild Pauillac? This one, alas, has not been used to the full extent of its land potential, but is nonetheless good and a good value. Château Lafon-Rochet, St-Estèphe: Good solid St-Estèphe that can be considered one of the top low-cost providers. Château Latour Carnet, Haut-Médoc: This wine is the only 4er cru from Haut-Médoc, and besides La Lagune, the top from this appellation. Prices reflect Haut-Médoc and critics' ratings are almost always over 90.

Château Marquis de Terme, Margaux: This wine used to be part of the Rauzan estate, and has become obscure since that estate fragmented. Château Pouget, Margaux: This one has sunk into complete obscurity since the classification. Château Prieuré-Lichine, Margaux: One of the longest histories in Margaux gave this wine a part in classification in 1855. But since then the wines have faded. Changes in this winery's management may indicate a coming upturn. Château St-Pierre, St-Julien: This classic winery has existed for at least 300 years, but wines are now a bit pricey. Château Talbot, St-Julien: A solid buy from St-Julien, this wine generally has respectable prices and great distribution. A number of the 18 5ers crus, for example Lynch-Bages, are highly underrated. Most of the 18 are in Pauillac. Château d'Armailhac, Pauillac: This Pauillac has been around since the 1700s and experienced volatility since then.

Of late, prospects seem to be improving, with the 2009 vintage earning 95 points from the Wine Enthusiast. Château Batailley, Pauillac: A solid though not outstanding value option. Château Belgrave, Haut-Médoc: This wine can be hard to find, but when it occasionally pops up, it can be a good value. Château Camensac, Haut-Médoc: A rather obscure, hard-to-find wine that, once again, can provide a good value. Château Cantemerle, Haut-Médoc: This wine was added to the classification in 1856 after protests by the growers, but is by no means an "add-on." Indeed, the wines can be among the best values in the Haut-Médoc. Château Clerc-Milon, Pauillac: Expensive for a 5er cru, this wine is often extremely powerful and, in the best of vintages, is reminiscent of the top Pauillacs. Château Cos Labory, St-Estèphe: Modern, decently priced wines that are less full-bodied than most competitors.

Château Croizet Bages, Pauillac: Extremely affordable Pauillac. Château Dauzac, Margaux: High in Merlot, this somewhat pricey wine is nonetheless a singular interpretation of Margaux. Château Grand-Puy Ducasse, Pauillac: The lesser-known of the "Grand-Puys" can often provide excellent values for its highly regarded appellation. Lynch Bages is one of the most underrated wines in the classification. Photo by Arnauddevial on Wikipedia. License: Creative Commons SA 3.0 Unported . Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Pauillac: Complex Pauillac that is highly flavorful even when young, and can be dazzling at an older age. One of the more underrated 5ers crus for sure; although the 2007-2009 vintages are a tad off form, normally this is at least 3er-worthy. Château Haut-Bages-Libéral, Pauillac: This wine is not hugely popular, making it a good value. Modern, lighter flavors and less brutal tannins make it one of the few approachable wines from this appellation.

Château Haut-Batailley, Pauillac: Good values for the appellation. Château Lynch-Bages, Pauillac: Easily the best 5er cru, this wine is more like a high 2er cru in its best years. This wine experiences swings in quality, and the 1855 classification happened to occur during a significant downtime. Although often intense and full-bodied, it can also provide different flavors with a touch of softness. Prices are staying commensurate with the quality, and they were over $100 for the year 2005. Château Lynch-Moussas, Pauillac: Rather obscure Pauillac that can be pricey considering the pedigree. Château Pédesclaux, Pauillac: Extremely obscure, hard-to-find wine. Château Pontet-Canet, Pauillac: High-production wine that is a good example of Pauillac flavors. The $80 2008 vintage is highly acclaimed. Château du Tertre, Margaux: With around 20% Cabernet Franc, this wine is very unconventional and has its detractors, but in the right vintage can be a terrific bargain.

Subregions A number of AOCs are contained within the Médoc, including Médoc AOC itself. Here is a list of the significant ones. A vineyard owned by Château Latour of Pauillac. Photo by Benjamin Zingg. License: Creative Commons SA 2.5 Generic . Médoc AOC is an AOC becoming more and more obscure. The soil, which is high in clay, is preferable for making Merlot-based wine rather than Cabernet Sauvignon. Other climatic influences, though, indicate Cabernet. As a result, the wines can often be undistinguished and at worst simply bland. There is the occasional bargain here, but in general Bordeaux Supérieur is a better and more diverse appellation. Haut-Médoc AOC is a very important AOC which includes the four villages as well as two other little-known regions called Listrac and Moulis. Listrac is very obscure but Château Clarke is a good example; Moulis is significantly more popular, with Chasse-Spleen, Maucaillou, and Poujeaux three good châteaux there. In addition, Haut-Médoc covers many small communes that often can include promising wine.

This AOC does more than just provide a "poor man's Bordeaux"; in addition, it fills the gap between lowly AOCs such as Médoc or Bordeaux and the more exclusive village AOCs. Pauillac AOC is a small village, about nine square miles in area, and visually undistinguished. Not only does Pauillac include three of the five wines classified as the best in the Médoc, but it contains a number of secondary and tertiary estates that fill in the lower end of the market. This makes it one of the best and smallest places in the world for red wine. Pauillac's taste is deep and intense at first, heavy with tannins and dark berry and currant flavors. But the high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in these wines allows them to age for years, eventually revealing an entirely different character. The prices of Pauillac wine reflect the demand for it: rarely do any sell for less than $50, and the top houses can demand well over $1,000 for new wines. Margaux AOC is the smallest of the four Médoc villages, with less than three square miles of area.

The small village is packed with vineyards and wineries, some of which are the most popular in the world. Margaux claims not only Château Margaux, one of the 1ers crus, but also most of the 2ers crus. Lighter and more approachable than that of the other villages, Margaux wine has more open flavors at first but also rewards decades of aging. Prices, while nowhere near the lofty heights of Pauillac, are low only for the inferior estates and range up to $350 or so for the top vintages. In years like 2005 they can sometimes be over $1,000 as well. St-Julien AOC is about six square miles, and is full of wineries. Although the appellation claims none of the 1ers crus, a number of less reputable, often equally good, châteaux are located in St-Julien, such as all three Léoville houses and Château Ducru-Beaucaillou. St-Julien's wines are intense, sometimes just as heavy as Pauillac, and require years of aging to open up. Once they do, though, they can reveal a unique cedar flavor.

The prices of these wines are, of course, high, but more reasonable wines can be found within this appellation than in the others. St-Estèphe AOC is the largest of the four villages, over nine square miles. No 1er cru is located here, but second-tier Château Cos d'Estournel has been said to produce wines deserving of that status. Wines are often monstrously heavy at first, although elegant flavors are transparent even from the beginning. It cannot be doubted that these wines become most stately when cellared for 20 years or more. Often, these wines can be reasonably priced, but the greatest ones are just as expensive as those of St-Julien. Which of the villages a person likes is up to them and them alone, but it cannot be doubted that these Big Four dominate wine production in the Médoc and create most of the business in that region. While the best ones are a luxury only available to the wealthy, they provide fabulous expressions of red wine that has been honed as close to perfection as it may ever come. Château Cos d'Estournel not only makes some of the best wine in the Médoc, but the château itself also displays impressive architectural mastery.

Wines from Pauillac, France - Bordeaux Bordeaux Choose your next bottle with confidence. Rediscover your favorites To perform a search, enter a keyword, phrase or item number in the search field and click "search." We offer two ways to locate information: Keyword search: Use key word(s) (product information, winery, varietal, etc.) to locate products. Gift# or Item No. search: Use the item number to search for a product or the Gift# from our catalog. Enter one product number at a time and enter all digits. Get Unlimited Free Shipping to anyone, anywhere, starting with today's order. Plus exclusive access to new releases. Welcome to StewardShip Your membership will be finalized when you check out. * Bordeaux Futures, Wine Clubs and Corporate Gifts are not eligible. Applies to standard shipping, which is quite speedy! Expedited shipping available at discounted rates for StewardShip members. Learn More $5 Flat-rate Shipping* with code NEWFIVE Learn About Wine: Shop for wine from Pauillac The Big Three Home to three premier cru (first growth) chateaux, Pauillac is a leader in quality Bordeaux.

Chateaux Latour, Lafite Rothschild and Mouton Rothschild are situated within the Pauillac appellation. Sandwiched between St.-Estèphe and St.-Julien , Pauillac wines are big - known for their combination of elegance and power. Notable Facts The gravel-based soils of Pauillac are key in creating the structured wines produced there. Like most of Bordeaux's left bank, Cabernet Sauvignon is the leading grape. Some typical descriptions of wine from Pauillac include: concentrated, full-bodied, powerful, firm tannins, ability to mature. Not all of the Pauillac wines are top price collectibles that you can only find at auctions. There are great values in the lower level crus, like the fifth growth, Chateau Lynch-Bages, as well as great Cru Bourgeois such as Chateau Pibran. These wines are more affordable and often mature a bit sooner.

Sort By: Limit 12 bottles per customer Pre-sale: Sold in increments of 3 Pre-sale: Limit 12 bottles per customer Pre-sale: 1961 Chateau Latour Pauillac Reviews & Prices — WineAccess Browse top-rated wines from Pauillac About Bordeaux Bordeaux is the planet's largest source of fine wine, the model for Cabernet Sauvignon- and Merlot-based wines around the globe. Bordeaux wines are considered by many wine connoisseurs to be the world's greatest reds. The Bordeaux region encompasses both banks of the Gironde estuary in southwest France, as well as the land bordering the Garonne and Dordogne, which split off from the Gironde in the southern Medoc. Bordeaux's highest-quality red wines generally come from seven major appellations: Saint-Estephe, Pauillac, Saint-Julien, and Margaux in the greater Medoc region, Graves to the south of the city of Bordeaux, and Pomerol and Saint-Emilion to the east (an area commonly referred to as the "Right Bank").

The best dry white wines come from the large Graves region, while the finest sweet wines are made in Sauternes and Barsac, enclaves within the southern reaches of the Graves appellation. In general, red wines from the left bank of the Gironde, particularly from the Medoc region of Bordeaux, are based on Cabernet Sauvignon, blended with varying amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Franc and sometimes bits of Malbec and Petit Verdot. These red wines are dry and firm, with a solid tannic spine, and are often austere in their youth. They are among the longest-lived wines made anywhere. Red wines from the gravel and sand soils of Graves often show a bit more texture early on, as well as more roasted notes of smoke, hot stones, and tobacco. Wines from Bordeaux's Right Bank, located mostly to the east of the town of Libourne, are blends based on the softer Merlot grape. They are generally fleshier and more pliant than wines from the Medoc and are accessible earlier, though the best of them are capable of improving in bottle for decades.

Browse top-rated wines from Bordeaux About France France is the fountainhead of the grape varieties most craved by North American wine drinkers: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. In fact, these grapes are widely referred to as "international" varieties because they have been planted and imitated all over the world. Of course, one of the most exciting developments in wine over the past generation has been the growth of intriguing local styles of these varieties, such as Pinot Noir in Oregon and New Zealand, or Syrah in Australia, South Africa, and California. But most cosmopolitan wine-lovers -- and even winemakers -- would agree that French wines are the archetypes. France enjoys the perfect geographic position for the production of a wide range of fine wines. Its relatively northerly location ensures long hours of daylight during the summer months and an extended growing season, allowing for the slow and steady accumulation of flavor in the grapes. Although the country as a whole enjoys a temperate climate, conditions can vary significantly within a limited land mass: cool and Atlantic-influenced; continental, with very cold winters and hot summers; warm and Mediterranean, with wet winters and dry summers.

Wines of France France began classifying its best French wine-producing sites more than 200 years ago. Its detailed appellation controlee system, designed in the 1930s, has served as the model for classification systems adopted by other countries in Europe and elsewhere. Appellation d'Origine Controlee (often abbreviated to AOC), means "controlled place name" and is the consumer's assurance of the origin and authenticity of any French wine whose label bears these words. AOC laws, administered by France's INAO (Institut National des Appellations d'Origine), establish the geographic limits of each appellation, permissable grape varieties and methods of production, minimum alcohol level, and maximum crop level (or yield) per hectare. Just beneath the highest category of appellation controlee is the comparatively tiny category of VDQS (Vins Delimites de Qualite Superieure), wines which may eventually be promoted to AC status and which are most commonly found in the Loire Valley and the Southwest. The third category is Vins de Pays, or "country wines".

This latter category gives producers, including some of the more adventurous French wine growers, an escape route from the straitjacket of AC regulation in terms of higher permitted yields and less restrictive geography, a wider range of legal grape varieties, and fewer restrictions as to method of production and minimum age of vines. Finally, at the bottom of the pyramid, there are Vins de Table, or simple "table wines." And yet, despite France's illustrious wine history and the fact that it is still the world's leading producer of wine, the country is struggling to compete in the international market. Today, France faces fierce competition from New World wine producers. U.S. imports of French wines actually declined, in number ofcases, between the end of 2002 and early 2006 -- this during a period when overall wine consumption in the U.S. grew by more than 50 percent. Today, the French government is agonizing over how to help French wine producers, who are also facing homegrown challenges such as changing domestic drinking habits and an aggressive anti-alcohol abuse program. Wine producers in some regions of France are coming to view the AC system itself as an obstacle to selling wines to North America and other important export markets.

Among the changes being considered are loosening restrictions on what can be planted where and on how wines can be made, and allowing producers in certain areas to indicate the grape variety or varieties on their labels -- rather than simply the place name, which is less meaningful to consumers in many of France's key export markets. Château Latour Winery Last Items Viewed: Château Latour At the beginning of the eighteenth century, Château Latour started to be highly recognized around the world, thanks to the reconquest of the British market and the development of the wine business in Northern Europe. The aristocracy and other wealthy groups of consumers became very enthusiastic about a few great estates, of which Latour was one. And that was how Thomas Jefferson, ambassador of the United States in France, and future President, discovered this wine in 1787. At that time, a cask of Château Latour was already worth twenty times as much as one of ordinary Bordeaux wine. The reputation of Château Latour was consolidated during the 19th century.

It was confirmed in 1855, when the government of Napoléon III decided to classify the growths of the Médoc and the Graves for the International Exhibition in Paris: Château Latour was classified as a First Growth. The existing château was built during this "Golden Age", between 1862 and 1864. Be the first to know when new vintages and wines come in stock!

Question: The wines Latour and Margaux are produced in which region of France?
Answer: BORDEAUX