Margaux is universally recognized as the Queen of the Médoc, revered for crafting the region's most perfumed, graceful, and deeply complex wines.
Margaux Wine Region — Summary
Location: Margaux is a prestigious wine appellation in the Médoc district of Bordeaux, France, located on the Left Bank of the Gironde estuary. It lies within the Haut-Médoc AOC and is the southernmost of its famous communes.
Key Facts
Appellation: Margaux AOC
Area: ~1,500 hectares (about 3,700 acres)
Number of Châteaux: Over 80
Soils: Deep gravel mixed with sand and limestone — excellent drainage and heat retention, ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon.
Climate: Maritime, moderated by the Atlantic Ocean and Gironde estuary, with mild winters and humid summers.
Grape Varieties
Primary red varieties:
Cabernet Sauvignon (dominant)
Merlot
Cabernet Franc
Petit Verdot
These combine to produce wines known for elegance, perfume, and finesse, often lighter and more aromatic than those from other Médoc communes like Pauillac or Saint-Julien.
Wine Style
Margaux wines are famous for:
Aromatic complexity (violets, cassis, cedar, and floral notes)
Silky texture and refined tannins
Balanced structure with aging potential They are often described as the most feminine and graceful of Médoc wines.
Top Estates
Margaux is home to one of Bordeaux’s most iconic wines:
Château Margaux – Premier Grand Cru Classé (1855 Classification) Other notable classified estates include:
Château Palmer (Third Growth, but often rivals First Growth quality)
Château Rauzan-Ségla, Château Rauzan-Gassies, Château Brane-Cantenac, Château Durfort-Vivens, among others.
Classification
In the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, Margaux has the largest number of classified estates among Médoc communes — 21 Châteaux across all five growths.
