Margaux
Margaux is on the left bank of the Gironde. It is the southernmost appellation in the Médoc (the haut in Haut-Médoc refers to the fact that it lies upstream), not far north of Bordeaux itself. To the east is the Landes forest. The soil is the thinnest in the Médoc, with the highest proportion of gravel. (The generally received opinion being that poor soil makes good wine. The gravel provides good drainage. The forest to the west shelters the vines from Atlantic breezes. Margaux contains 1413 hectares of vineyards, making it the second largest appellation in the Haut-Médoc (afterSaint-Estèphe). The châteaux are concentrated in the village, and the vineyards are more intermingled than elsewhere. The vines ripen 7–10 days before the rest of theMédoc.
Cabernet Sauvignon is the predominant grape, but it is invariably blended with other grapes. As with all red Bordeaux, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec may also be included in the blend. The wine is known for its perfumed fragrance. The dominant fruit flavor is blackcurrant.