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Haut-Médoc is a Bordeaux appellation located in the south of the Médoc wine region. Its wines are of undeniable quality, and some of its estates, such as Château La Lagune and Château La Tour Carnet, feature in the 1855 Grands Crus classification. Haut-Médoc also boasts the dual AOC-AOP appellation.
Haut-Médoc, a vineyard with ancient roots
Although the vineyards have been cultivated since ancient times, the area was not really developed until the 16th century, when noble Girondins decided to establish quality wine estates in this geographical area. Its reputation was further enhanced when 5 grands crus, located in the vineyards of the Haut-Médoc appellation, earned their place in the 1855 classification, instituted by Napoléon III ahead of the Paris Universal Exhibition.
Among the five Châteaux Classés is Château de la Lagune, ranked 3e cru, Château de La Tour Carnet 4e cru, and the 5e Château Belgrave, Château de Camensac and Château de Cantemerle. But that’s not all: in 2003, 82 Haut-Médoc estates were classified as Crus Bourgeois, including 31 Crus Bourgeois Supérieurs and 22 Crus Artisans from 2006.
Within this appellation, the vast majority of Châteaux Classés as Grands Crus or Crus Bourgeois have a vine density that varies between 6,500 and 10,000 vines per hectare, with a maximum target yield of 65 hectolitres per hectare.
The fruitful lands of the Haut-Médoc… South of the Médoc
Haut-Médoc is located on the left bank of Bordeaux and encompasses six local appellations: Pauillac, Saint-Julien, Margaux, Saint-Estèphe, Moulis and Listrac. And, despite what its name might suggest, Haut-Médoc lies to the south of the Médoc appellation, not to the north!
Within the Haut-Médoc AOC, over 4700 hectares of vines benefit from an oceanic climate. The latter allows relatively mild temperatures in winter and avoids severe drought in summer. The weather conditions are therefore ideal for growing vines. What’s more, the gravelly soils and clay terroirs, which have been shaped by the Garonne, have many advantages. Haut-Médoc is made up of alluvial terraces covered with gravel deposits, which are ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, while the clay terroirs are ideal for Merlot.
Haut-Médoc wines retain their flavour for decades
Various grape varieties are listed in the appellation’s specifications. The dominant grape in the Haut-Médoc vineyards is Cabernet-Sauvignon, which accounts for 30 to 85% depending on the estate. Merlot is another grape variety frequently used in this region, followed by Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Côt, which are also used by winegrowers, but in much smaller quantities.
Haut-Médoc wines have a beautiful, intense color, with hints of a color described as between ruby and garnet.
These are wines with powerful tannins, so they are best appreciated after several years in bottle, when their body has become more supple.
Once the tannins have become softer, the wine will have a fleshy texture and a complex aromatic bouquet. Here, the bouquet expresses notes of black and red fruits, as well as roasting aromas reminiscent of coffee. The long finish also gives notes of spice and liquorice.
Haut-Médoc wines are renowned for their great ageing potential. Some can be enjoyed for as little as 5 years, but the best vintages can be kept for 10 to 30 years.
Haut-Médoc and forest cuisine
The wines of this appellation are powerful, generous reds. They go equally well with red and white meat dishes, and are particularly well-suited to Pauillac lamb or ceps stuffed Bordeaux-style, for example. They are also renowned for being a perfect match for game and certain cheeses. Finally, since this is a red wineTasting temperature should be between 16 and 17 degrees.
Several great vintages in the 20th and 21st centuries
Haut-Médoc boasts several remarkable vintages that attest to the quality of the appellation’s wines. The appellation can boast great vintages such as 2015 and 2018, but also three exceptional vintages, 2005, 2010, 2016, and above all a vintage of the century: 2009!
Haut-Médoc estates with original owners
Château de Camensac
Jacques Merlaut comes from a family of lawyers and decides to become a pinardier. But as the 1970s dawned, his visionary instinct was to prioritize quality over quantity. In 1964, he convinced his Spanish friend Enrique to do the same. To prove his sincerity, he promises this same friend to sell him 75% of a classified growth on the market. However, the cru he gives to his friend is none other than Camensac!
In 2005, Enrique entrusted the takeover of the Château to 2 members of the Merlaut family. In the past, the Château was also owned by the Popp family, of English origin, and by the noble de la Grandière de Tournadre family. This Haut-Médoc chateau has been home to many families, each with its own origins.
Le Château Ramage La Bâtisse
This château is located in the heart of the Médoc, in the commune of Saint-Sauveur. Its proud owner is MACIF, since 1986. Thanks to its investments, the insurance company has modernized the vineyard and vat room, without forgetting the Bordeaux tradition. The estate boasts over 85 hectares of vines, and the winemaking process is closely supervised by renowned winemaker Georges Pauli.
