Location and boundaries
Margaux is an appellation area in the Médoc on the left bank of the Gironde in the French department of Gironde. The area comprises the communes of Arsac, Cantenac, Labarde, Margaux-Cantenac and Soussans.
Climate and soils
Mild winters, good exposure to the sun and comparatively moderate summer dry periods shape the appellation. The woodland area to the west protects the vines from sea winds. The vineyards are located above all on gravelly elevations and terraces with colluvial deposits as well as on underlying geological formations of clay or limestone.
Wines and grape varieties
The Margaux AOC is limited to dry red wines made from vines within the specified production area. The wines are described as having deep colour, being suitable for ageing, fine and fruity. Approved varieties include, among others, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Cot or Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon accounts for around 60 percent of the vineyard area, while Merlot in the cuvées is rarely more than 30 percent.
History and cultivation
The name Margaux was in use for wine by at least the 18th century. The first territorial outlines of the appellation were established by a ruling of a civil court in Bordeaux dated 3 December 1923; as an appellation d’origine contrôlée, it was recognised on 10 August 1954. Vineyard areas must be planted with at least 7,000 vines per hectare. Complete chemical weed control is prohibited, and vegetation between the rows must be controlled mechanically or physically.
