The wine regions of Bordeaux are a large number of wine growing areas, differing widely in size and sometimes overlapping, which lie within the overarching wine region of Bordeaux, centred on the city of Bordeaux and covering the whole area of the Gironde department of Aquitaine. In case you have forgotten your French geography Medoc is is a peninsula about 100 kilometres long to the north of Bordeaux, with the Atlantic Coast to the west and the Gironde estuary. Very broadly Medoc can be seen as three different regions. Guide to the best chateaux of Haut Medoc Listrac Moulis Medoc, wine tasting notes, top 10 facts, images, history, wine/food pairing tips, links to buy wine. The department is the second level of administrative divisions on the map of France. The department of Gironde is located in the region of region of Aquitaine. The department of Gironde has the number 33 and is divided into 6 districts, 63 townships and 542 municipalities. Below you will find the localization of Gironde on the map of France, and the satellite map of Gironde. Detailed maps of bordeaux chateau and appellations will help you get an overview on bordeaux and give you an idea where the different chateaux and vineyards are located when you visit bordeaux: how to visit bordeaux chateau and wineries. Map of the bordeaux medoc wine appellations.
Huge amounts of the region are covered in vines, growing the grapes which produce some of Bordeaux's finest wines. across around 1,500 vineyards.
Its porous soil creates the right conditions for grape ripening. Although its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean results in a comparatively mild climate and high rainfall (which makes rot a constant problem), the increased amount of gravel in the soil allows heat to be retained, encouraging ripening, and extensive root systems.
This relatively flat region also has many pine forests. The main reason to visit is to stay in one of the pretty villages and explore the world-renowned wine châteaux. The town in the heart of the region, Lesparre-Medoc does not offer much so it is best to venture elsewhere.
The best towns to visit include the estuary towns of Pauillac, Margaux and Blaye and the coastal towns of Soulac-sur-Mer, Hourtin, Carcans & Lacanau.