Rich aromas and structure
Haut-Médoc wines have complex
aromas of red and black berries, as well as liquorice, and, sometimes, menthol and
spicy aromas.
Aged in oak barrels, they offer
elegant and pleasant
woody aromas. As they age, they develop wonderful
bouquets of
animal aromas (leather, fur),
roasted aromas (moka), prune, cedar, truffle… These are
lively,
bright,
generous and
powerful wines, but never excessive.
Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant variety in these wines (52% of planted surfaces). It is blended with Merlot. Petit Verdot, and, to a lesser extent, Malbec are also often added.
Strict production norms
The Haut-Médoc is the region of the Médoc located closest to the city of Bordeaux. The AOC includes 25 townships. The well-drained alluvial gravel terraces are best suited for the growing of Cabernet Sauvignon, while Merlot grows best on deep clay soils.
The official decree for the Haut-Médoc AOC defines strict production norms: a high planting density (a minimum of 6,500 plants/ha) and low maximum yields (48 hL/ha).
Crus Classés
In 1855, négociants and other wine professionals established a classification of the finest Médoc wines, thereby formalizing a list of the Grands Crus Classés. This updated list of 62 prestigious châteaux lives on to this day.
Average yearly production: 217 656 hl
Declared surface (2009): 4 596 ha
Visit the Haut-Médoc AOC’s web site.
