Margaux Wine Region

Margaux is an appellation of wine in the Haut-Médoc district of Bordeaux, in the southwest of France. Margaux has a large number of vineyards and is the second-largest appellation on the Haut Médoc (after Saint-Estèphe). Many of the châteaux are found in the village, with vineyards also intermingling as they do more than other areas.

Location of  Margaux Wine Region

The Margaux appellation contains 21 cru classé properties from the 1855 Bordeaux Classification. Geographically speaking, it is the largest in the Médoc and  is divided into five communes or parishes.

In the North, Margaux is bordered by  Pauillac.  Commune of Margaux includes ten cru classé chateaux that are all ranked in order, including Château Margaux and Château Palmer that are  known to be among one of the best Bordeaux estates. 

Not only does Margaux have lots of outstanding wines, but it also has many lovely villages on the left bank of the Gironde. The Landes Forest to the west of the appellation shelters the vines from Atlantic breezes.

History of Margaux Wine Region

The Margaux appellation was the first Bordeaux area cultivated for wine production. Archeologists claim that the Romans planted grapes in this area back in the year 2000. Ausonius, the Roman poet, poetically called Marojallia the 'regio maritima', which is where the winery known as  Marojallia got its name.

17 centuries ago Margaux had already established a reputation for producing high-grade wines. That reputation made Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, to visit different chateaux in the region including Chateau Margaux.

Terrior of  Margaux Wine Region

Margaux Wines are quite varied due to its massive size and diverse array of soils. Whether not the most concentrated wines, these Bordeaux wines can be the most elegant, sensuous, refined and perfumed.

The Margaux vineyard plots have gravelly soil mixed with chalk, clay, and limestone which provides good water drainage. The climate in Bordeaux is moderate maritime that allows extended growing season. The dominant grape variety is Cabernet Sauvignon which is blended with varying amounts of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Carmenere.

Margaux Wine Characteristics

Margaux red blends have a beautiful character and features florality, full-bodied flavor and rich fruity aromas. It can be enjoyed on its own or as part of your favorite wine pairing. Some of these wineries offer floral and spicy scents, particularly violets and lilacs; others offer truffle, cigar box, earthy notes, fruit and tobacco. Tannins are unique to each different grape, and depending on that grape, you could find varying concentrations, ripenesses, or depths in the tannin. However, these qualities can vary widely based on the terroir of the wine and how much desire a winemaker has in contrast to what they're trying to achieve. The best Margaux wines can age for around 30 or so years.

Food to Pair with Margaux Wine

1.    Gigot d'agneau pleureur

Gigot d'agneau pleureur is translated as 'weeping leg of lamb roast'. The meat is placed on a rack, over a vessel containing potatoes and vegetables, so that every bit of the flavorful meat juice drips down onto the potatoes and vegetables as they cook, hence the weeping or crying in the name of the dish. Historically, French village women would make this dish in community ovens. What's left from the delicious meal should be combined to make a sauce. The sauce might include wine, chicken or vegetable stock, fresh herbs and other aromatic ingredients.

2. Daube

Daube is a rustic stew popular in Provence typically made of lamb or beef slowly simmered in wine with different vegetables and herbs such as cinnamon, cloves, thyme, bay leaves, and peppercorns. Preparing daube is a long process, in which you start by laying the meat out on the bottom. Then, with each new layer, you add spice and vegetables to create a rich and flavorful dish.

Interesting Facts About Margaux Wine Region

1.    Margaux is the first appellation plant for vines by ancient Romans.

2.    Margaux is the only major wine region in France with a chateau. 

3.    Margaux is the only major wine region in France with a chateau. The Margaux appellation has the largest concentration of classified growths in its entirety. With a total of 21 classed growths, it surpasses any other area in Bordeaux.