As a lover of fine wines, you have certainly heard of Haut-Médoc. The wine-growing region in the southern Médoc in France is considered one of the most renowned in the world and attracts many wine lovers and tourists every year. In this article, we take a close look at the Haut-Médoc sub-regional appellation, its history, geographical location, viticultural regulations and authorized grape varieties.
History and geographical situation of Haut-Médoc
The Haut-Médoc appellation was founded on 14 November 1936, and since then it has developed steadily to become one of the most important wine-growing areas in the Bordeaux region. The area covers about 4,900 hectares and produces about 290,000 hectolitres of red wine annually.
Within the area there are six well-known communal appellations, namely Margaux, Moulis, Listrac, Pauillac, Saint-Estèphe and Saint-Julien. These communes are known for their unique and high quality wines and have made an important contribution to the fame of the Haut-Médoc.
Haut-Médoc's viticultural regulations
As an Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC), Haut-Médoc is subject to strict viticultural regulations that ensure only the highest quality wines are produced. For example, the must must contain at least 170 grams of sugar per liter and, after fermentation, the wine must have a minimum alcohol content of 10 percent by volume.
Another important criterion is the permitted number of vines per hectare. Here, between 6,500 and 10,000 vines are permitted. The permitted grape varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Carménère, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot.
In addition, the basic yield of 48 hectolitres per hectare is higher than that of the communal appellations. This means that the yields per hectare have to be lower to meet the quality standards.
The communes of the Haut-Médoc
The vineyards of the Haut-Médoc are spread over a total of 29 communes. These include Blanquefort, Le Taillan, Parempuyre, Le Pian, Ludon-Médoc, Macau, Arsac, Labarde, Cantenac, Margaux, Avensan, Castelnau-de-Médoc, Soussans, Arcins, Moulis, Listrac, Lamarque, Cussac, Saint-Laurent-Médoc, Saint-Julien, Pauillac, Saint-Sauveur, Cissac, Saint-Estèphe, Vertheuil and Saint-Seurin de Cadourne.
Aromas and finish of the wine from Haut-Médoc
This wine from the Haut-Médoc vineyard in the Médoc region is characterized by its complexity and elegance. The aromas of this red wine are characterized by notes of blackberry, red currant, liquorice and sometimes mint and spices. This makes it a popular companion in many dishes.
The finish of this wine from Haut-Médoc is nervy, lively and full-bodied. Its strength is unmistakable and lingers long in the mouth. These characteristics make it a wine that is ideal for special occasions or to enjoy in a convivial setting.
The aging potential of this wine from Haut-Médoc is high. With an aging period of 5 to 30 years, it can further improve and refine its taste and quality. For optimal development of the wine's aromas and finish, it is recommended to enjoy it at a serving temperature of 15 to 17°C.
In summary, the wine from Haut-Médoc is a versatile red wine with a wide range of aromas and a powerful finish. Its high aging potential makes it a wine that is ideal for aging and later enjoyment.
The Haut-Médoc is a region in Bordeaux that produces high quality wines. Some wineries in the region even have Cru Classé status, which means that they are among the best wineries in the world. The classification of the best châteaux on the Left Bank in 1855 showed that absolute world-class wines can also be produced in the Haut-Médoc. Since then, five wineries have been awarded Cru Classé status. Château La Lagune is at the top of the Haut-Médoc appellation. It is located south of Margaux and is the first estate to be classified. The Grand Vin of Château La Lagune impresses with melting, freshness and red fruit.
Further north in Macau is Château Cantemerle, which was not listed in the official classification of the vineyards of the left bank of Bordeaux in 1855, but was later included. In Cussac-Fort-Médoc, the Château du Retout has its vineyards. With its earthy, black-berry style, the red wine is somewhat reminiscent of Lynch Bages in Pauillac. The Cambon La Pelouse estate, a chic Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, borders directly on the Margaux appellation and produces wines for little money in warm years.
The Haut-Médoc on the outer borders of the top appellations of Saint-Julien and Pauillac.
The 5ème Cru Château Belgrave is located right next to the Saint-Julien-Cru Lagrange and has developed strongly since the late 1990s. Meanwhile, a perfect introduction to the world of Pauillac can be found at Château Bernadotte, which is owned by Château Pichon-Lalande. All in all, the wine estates of the Haut-Médoc offer a variety of excellent wines that are worth discovering.
