Médoc Region

Médoc is a triangular peninsula northwest of Bordeaux that enjoys a mild climate, rarely touched by extreme temperatures. This can be attributed to its location between the two large water bodies of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gironde River, (hence the name "Médoc" which is derived from "middle land").

Although the area is located near the ocean, the climate is not as damp as one might expect. This is thanks to the pine forests to the west which shelter the region from the maritime climate.

The soil in this region has deep layers of gravel which was carried down from the Massif Central and the Pyrenees. The gravel content results in excellent drainage and because the soil is poor, the vines must push their roots deep into the subsoil. The region has eight appellations: Margaux, Moulis, Listrac, St-Julien, Pauillac, St-Estèphe, Haut-Médoc and Médoc (the northern, or Bas Médoc).

Dutch engineers who arrived in the 17th century assisted with the draining and filling in of Médoc's marshes. They also reclaimed bays and inlets and their work earned the region of northern Médoc the nickname "La Petite Hollande".