Bordeaux is the most prestigious and well-known wine district on earth. Red wines outnumber white by eight to one here. The most famous red wine areas are Medoc, north of Bordeaux, and St-Emilion and Pomerol on the right bank, i.e. east of Bordeaux
Back in 1855, the famous classification of Bordeaux wines was finalized. All the first growths (cru in French) were from Haut-Medoc, with the exception of Chateau Haut-Brion of Graves. And in 1973 Château Mouton Rothschild (also Haut-Medoc) was promoted from a second growth to a first growth vineyard.
Normally, Medoc refers to the geographical area on the left (west) bank, north of Bordeaux. But Medoc on a label on a wine bottle refers to the northern part of the Medoc region, the part north of St-Estephe. The area from St-Estephe and southwards belong to the more prestigious Haut-Medoc appellation. Six of the communes in Haut-Medoc – Margaux, Saint-Julien, Pauillac, Saint-Estèphe, Moulis and Listrac - have their own appellation, and these are some of the most famous and expensive wines in the world. Wines from the other communes are sold simply as Haut-Médoc.
Pomerol is a relatively new star, the most sought after Pomerol wines are nowadays amongst the most expensive Bordeaux wines. Geographically, Pomerol is a small appellation but with many small vineyards. Pomerol is also the only major appellation without any classification.
St Emilion is supposed to be the oldest wine growing area of the Bordeaux region. The Romans established the first vineyards in St Emilion. It is a charming town that has been classified as a world heritage site. Like its neighbour Pomerol, it is a little bit too cold for Cabernet Sauvignon, most vineyards focus on Merlot and Cabernet France.