Haut Medoc Bordeaux

One of the most prestigious appellations in Bordeaux, Haut-Médoc, a sub-appellation of the Médoc AOC, is located on the left bank of the Gironde estuary. It is bordered by the city of Bordeaux on one side and Médoc AOC on the other. It was established in 1936 and continues to be home to chateaux such as Château Aney. Although the viticulture in this region dates back to the 17th century, it wasn’t until the 19th century that wine from this region was on wine enthusiasts’ radars.

There are 15 different wine communes within Haut-Médoc, including Cussac and Saint-Laurent-Médoc. While few of the châteaux were included in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, many are in the Cru Bourgeois classification that was established in 1932. The grapes grown here for commercial production are Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Merlot. Some small lots of Cabernet Franc and Carménère grow here, as well.

Quick Facts

• Annual production in this region is around 6.7 million gallons
• There are 392 wineries in the Haut-Médoc region
• Soil in the Haut-Médoc region tends to be gravely and clay-like