Margaux Appellation
The Margaux appellation is the largest of the six communal AOCs, it is also the most southerly and closest to Bordeaux. The Margaux appellation territory is home to 21 of the 61 Classified Growths from the 1855 classification, placing it at the head of all communal appellations in the Médoc. It is also the only one to bear the name of a First Growth, the legendary Château Margaux, whose quality is explained by its exceptional terroir and which produces one of the most elegant wines in the region.
Filtrer
Products (119)
Margaux is an appellation located in the Médoc vineyard in France, between the Atlantic Ocean and the left bank of the Gironde estuary.
It is the largest of the six communal appellations in the Haut-Médoc and covers 1500 hectares across the communes of Arsac, Labarde, Margaux-Cantenac and Soussans.
It also includes the largest number of Classified Growths in the Médoc (21), including the First Growth, Château Margaux.
The first vines were cultivated during the Gallo-Roman period and the Margaux Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée was officially established on August 10, 1954.
The Margaux terroir, a beneficial soil and climate
The Margaux terroir benefits from a temperate oceanic climate, mild in winter, protected from summer heat waves and with good rainfall distribution throughout the year. The proximity to the Gironde estuary helps moderate temperatures and protect the vineyard from spring frosts.
The Margaux vines are planted on gravel ridges, shaped by erosion, bordered to the east by the estuary marshes and to the west by the sandy plateau forests of the Landes.
These soils are composed of gravel and pebbles mixed with more or less clayey sand and contribute to the drainage of rainwater and the penetration of vine roots to draw water and necessary nutrients. The resulting grapes are of very high quality.
This Margaux appellation terroir, with its very gravelly soils and mild maritime climate, allows for slow grape ripening, hence the incomparable finesse of its wines.
The wines of the Margaux appellation: great finesse with Cabernet Sauvignon dominance
Margaux wines are known for their elegance, finesse and complexity, with fruity aromas of raspberries, cherry and redcurrant, as well as floral notes, spices and roasted aromas. Their aromatic bouquet is complex, with an unctuous and velvety texture.
Historically, Carmenère and Malbec (or Cot) grape varieties were planted and made up the wines of the Margaux appellation. They were gradually abandoned to give way to the four grape varieties that now dominate the appellation: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.
The great Châteaux of the Margaux appellation
The Margaux appellation is known for producing some of the world's finest red wines and is highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs. Among the Classified Growths are:
Château Margaux - 1st Classified Growth
Château Brane Cantenac - 2nd Classified Growth
Château Lascombes - 2nd Classified Growth
Château Palmer - 3rd Classified Growth
Château Boyd-Cantenac - 3rd Classified Growth
Château Cantenac Brown - 3rd Classified Growth
Château Prieuré-Lichine - 4th Classified Growth
Château du Tertre - 5th Classified Growth
Food & wine pairings for Margaux
Margaux wines are elegant and complex red wines that pair well with many dishes. They go well with grilled, braised or roasted red meats, game meat, and perfectly complement roasted chicken and dishes prepared with truffles.
Here are some food and wine pairings for Margaux wines:
* Roasted meats: beef fillet, Pauillac milk-fed lamb or roasted duck with foie gras. Their finesse and structure balance perfectly with the tenderness of the meat.
* Mushroom-based dishes, such as wild mushroom risotto, blanquette of veal with morels or sweetbreads with porcini mushrooms. The mushrooms will complement the earthy aromas of the red wine.
* Margaux wines are among the rare wines that can also be paired with fish, provided it is cooked with a sauce, such as lamprey à la bordelaise.
* Finally, Margaux appellation wines pair perfectly with mature cheeses with strong character: such as Comté, farmhouse Saint-Nectaire, Brillat-savarin (with or without truffles) and aged cheddar. The complexity of the red wine's aromas will harmonize with the richness and flavors of the cheese.
The châteaux of the appellation are as follows: Château Marquis d'Alesme, Château Labegorce, Château Lascombes, Château Giscours, Château Marquis de Terme, Château Boyd Cantenac, Château Cantenac Brown, Château Malescot Saint Exupery, Château d'Issan, Château Rauzan Segla, Château Siran, Château Dauzac, Château du Tertre, Château Prieure Lichine, Château Rauzan Gassies, Pavillon Rouge du Château Margaux, Château Palmer, Château Margaux,...