Exploring Bordeaux: The Marvelous Médoc

Bordeaux's Médoc region produces some of the most highly prized wines in the world, and is home to over 1,500 vineyards.

Médoc is located on the left bank of the Gironde estuary, north of the city of Bordeaux. Its name comes from Medullicus, or "country of the Medulli", the Celtic tribe that made their home there in ancient times.  The area is known for the prestigious appellations Médoc, Haut-Médoc, Margaux, Pauillac, St Estèphe, St Julien, Moulis, and Listrac. You will find no less than 60 Grands Crus Classés vineyards, a few hundred Crus Bourgeois, as well as dozens of Crus Artisans and cooperative wineries in the Médoc region.

Visiting a Grand Cru Classé Chateau is a beautiful and impressive experience. But, don't overlook the smaller, less prestigious châteaux, which have often been owned and operated by the same family for generations.  You'll receive a warm welcome and unforgettable meeting with the men and women who grow the grapes and produce the wine themselves. They are passionate about their craft and will happily share their history and wine with visitors.

Médoc also has pine forests and long sandy beaches. The Médoc's geography is not ideal for wine growing, with its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean resulting in a comparatively mild climate and high rainfall, making rot a constant problem. It is generally believed that the nature of the region's wine derives from its soil or terrior. Although the terrain is flat, gravel in the soil provides the necessary drainage, and allows heat to be retained, encouraging ripening, and extensive root systems for the vines.

Fishermen's shacks are a common sight along the banks of the Gironde estuary.  The Gironde Estuary is formed by the meeting of the Garonne and Dordogne rivers, and flows into the Atlantic Ocean. It is the largest estuary in Europe. This unique natural milieu includes an archipelago of nine islands.

The depth of the estuary can rise as much as 7 meters between low and high tides, which requires waterside structures to be perched on tall stilts.  Docks are built on pontons which allow them, and the vessels moored to them, to rise and fall with the changing tides.  

Fort-Médoc, designed by famous military engineer Sebastien de Vauban, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Along with The Citadel of Blaye on the opposite bank of the Gironde, and Fort Pâté on an island in the middle, these fortifications form the Bolt of the Estuary, also known as Fortifications of Vauban. They protected Bordeaux from foreign naval attacks.

 

Médoc is included in Tango's 6-night, all inclusive Bordeaux River Cruise.  Visit CanalsofFrance.com for details.

Photo credit - all photos Dawn M. Shepherd