Margaux

Margaux is the communal appellation in the south of the Haut-Médoc, on the left bank of the Gironde. It comprises the five communes of Margaux, Cantenac, Arsac, Labarde and Soussans and, at around 1,400 hectares, is the largest of the Haut-Médoc communes. With 21 classified crus, Margaux has more than any other commune in Bordeaux; Château Margaux is ranked as a Premier Cru.

The soils are among the poorest of the Médoc: thin, very stony gravel layers over a limestone and clay base. They drain quickly, warm early and force the vines to produce small berries with aromatic skins. The climate is oceanic; the Gironde tempers temperatures and the Landes pine forest shelters from the Atlantic wind.

Cabernet Sauvignon predominates, complemented by Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. The wines are regarded as perfumed and fine, with notes of violet and red berries and fine-grained tannin; they are less powerful than the wines of Pauillac. Well-known estates include Château Margaux, Château Palmer, Rauzan-Ségla, Brane-Cantenac and Giscours.