The
Haut-Médoc is the Médoc region closest to Bordeaux. In 1855, the wine merchants and industry professionals created a ranking of the greatest wines from the Médoc thereby establishing a hierarchy of Grands Crus Classés. This updated list is still in force and features 62 prestigious châteaux. Recognised as an AOC by a decree of 14 November 1936, it covers 25 communes. The well-drained alluvial gravel terraces are the favourite terrain of the Cabernet Sauvignon, while the Merlot is more at home in deeper terrain with a higher clay content. The vineyard area able to claim the
Haut-Médoc appellation is nearly 4,600 hectares.
Primarily made up of layers of Garonne gravel, the Haut-Médoc area is best known for the great diversity of its soils, a combination of limestone land, clay terrain and sandy parcels. With beautiful aromatic complexity, the wines of the Haut-Médoc reveal superb aromas of red and black fruit, as well as liquorice and the occasional hint of mint or spice. After ageing in oak barrels, they show a pleasant, elegant oak character. With age, they develop a lovely bouquet which offers up a delicious festival of animal aromas (leather, fur), roasting (mocha), prunes, cedar, truffle, etc. These are lively, bright and generous wines that are powerful without being overpowering. The Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant grape variety in the blend. It is combined with Merlot and Petit Verdot, with a small amount of Malbec often added.
The Haut-Médoc is an appellation crammed with top quality wine estates, among which we would cite Château Cantemerle, Château La Tour Carnet, Château La Lagune and Château Sociando-Mallet.
More informations on the website of the wines of
Haut-Médoc