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Haut-Médoc
Haut-Médoc covers the southern part of the Médoc peninsula, around the well-known communal appellations. The soil varies widely, from gravel ridges along the river to sandier ground further inland. The appellation is home to five châteaux from the 1855 classification.
Our range includes wines from the Haut-Médoc by producers including Sociando-Mallet, La Lagune, Cantemerle, La Tour Carnet, Camensac and Belgrave. If you would like to explore Bordeaux further, you will also find Pauillac, Saint-Émilion and Pomerol in our range.
Grapes and style
Haut-Médoc makes red wine based on cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot. The style is classic Bordeaux: dark fruit, cedar, spice and a firm but balanced structure.
The wines are usually balanced and already fairly approachable in their youth, although the better bottles need time to develop. The area offers a broad spectrum, from simple everyday wines to complex, age-worthy wines from top châteaux.
Location and soil
Haut-Médoc covers the southern, higher-lying part of the Médoc, along the left bank of the Gironde. It lies between the city of Bordeaux and the northern Médoc, and also contains the famous communal appellations Pauillac, Margaux, Saint-Julien and Saint-Estèphe as separate enclaves.
The soil consists predominantly of gravel ridges, with sand and clay in the subsoil. The proximity of the river and the forest creates a temperate climate. Vineyards outside the communal appellations may use the name Haut-Médoc.
Classification and rules
Haut-Médoc is a regional appellation with stricter rules than the general Médoc. This area also contains some estates that are included in the historic classification of the Médoc wines, while others make wine under the Cru Bourgeois banner.
Because the appellation is so varied, it pays to look at the producer. Quality ranges from simple to very high, depending on the vineyard and the house.
Ageing and serving
Many Haut-Médoc wines can be drunk within a few years, while the better châteaux can age for many years. Over time the wines develop notes of tobacco, leather and dried fruit.
Serve at 16 to 18 °C and decant younger wines briefly. The wine is a versatile table wine with red meat, poultry, stews and hard cheeses.
Producers in our range
These producers feature in our Haut-Médoc range: Sociando-Mallet, La Lagune, Cantemerle, La Tour Carnet, Camensac, Belgrave, Lanessan, Coufran, Citran, Clément-Pichon, Reysson, Lestage-Simon, Lartigue de Brochon and Puy Castéra.
More from Bordeaux
You will find more wines from Bordeaux under Pauillac, Saint-Émilion, Pomerol, Saint-Julien, Margaux, Sauternes, Saint-Estèphe and Pessac-Léognan.