AOC Listrac-Médoc

First recognized in 1957 simply as Listrac, the appellation has been called Listrac-Médoc since a 1986 decree. Its reds, deep in color and tannic, rank among the most structured wines of the Gironde. Firm when young, these age-worthy wines grow more elegant over the years.

On the Roof of the Médoc, Merlot Comes First

Most of the Listrac-Médoc vineyard sits on a plateau that rises to 43 meters (141 feet), the Médoc’s highest point. Two low ridges frame it, Fonréaud to the south and Fourcas to the north. The area mapped for vines leaves out waterlogged land and the hollows where cold air pools in spring.

Beneath the glacial gravel, a clay-limestone bedrock breaks the surface in places, and the local “Listrac” limestone is the oldest on the peninsula. In the Peyrelevade plain, erosion has laid bare clay-limestone soils found only in this appellation.

Merlot, highly expressive on these soils, is the leading grape in the vineyard and most often heads the blend. On the gravel-dominated soils in the center and east of the village, it is paired with Cabernet Sauvignon.

Merlot’s leading role brings roundness to wines that are otherwise powerful and tannic, a balance that sets them apart from their neighbors in the Médoc.

History of the AOC Listrac-Médoc

Nestled in the heart of the Médoc peninsula, the Listrac-Médoc appellation is one of the highest in the Médoc and boasts a viticultural history dating back to Antiquity. Despite its ancient roots, AOC Listrac-Médoc is the youngest of the Médoc appellations, officially recognized in 1957. It is often described as a hidden gem of the region, cherished for its characterful red wines by Bordeaux wine enthusiasts.

Climate and Terroir of the AOC Listrac-Médoc

• Climate: The Atlantic Ocean's influence gives the appellation a temperate climate, promoting slow and steady grape maturation.
• Soils: The soils of Listrac-Médoc are diverse, with a predominance of Pyrenean gravel mixed with limestone and clay, contributing to the structure and complexity of the wines.

Key Grape Varieties of the AOC Listrac-Médoc

Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot dominate the vineyards, complemented by Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and occasionally Malbec (also known as Côt), adding nuance and depth to the blends.

Style of AOC Listrac-Médoc Wines

• Appearance: Intense ruby red color with deep purple reflections in its youth.
• Aroma: The bouquet reveals aromas of ripe black fruits, black cherry, intertwined with woody and vanilla notes from oak barrel aging, as well as hints of licorice and violet.
• Palate: The tannic structure is robust yet elegant, typical of Médoc wines, with good acidity providing freshness and aging potential. As they age, these wines develop a complexity where flavors of tobacco, leather, and sweet spices mingle.
• Serving Temperature: 16°C to 18°C.
• Aging Potential: 8 to 15 years (or more, depending on the château and vintage).

Best Food Pairings with a Wine from AOC Listrac-Médoc

Here are some perfect food and wine pairings with a red Bordeaux wine from an estate or château in AOC Listrac-Médoc:

• Filet de bœuf Rossini au foie gras de canard
• Côte de bœuf Black Angus maturée
• Aiguillette de canard
• Rôti d’agneau
• Cèpes farcis à la bordelaise

Listrac-Médoc: History and Where to Buy

How many crus bourgeois did Listrac-Médoc have in 1932?

The 1932 classification of crus bourgeois listed 28 Listrac-Médoc estates, 8 of them as crus bourgeois supérieurs. That recognition of individual châteaux came 25 years before the appellation itself was recognized, in 1957.

What is the link between Listrac-Médoc and the Wagons-Lits trains?

For many years, Listrac-Médoc was on the wine list of the Wagons-Lits dining cars, supplied by the appellation’s cooperative winery, founded in 1935. Those exclusive contracts with the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits helped the vineyard ride out the wine slump between the two World Wars.

Where can you buy Listrac-Médoc direct from the winemaker?

You can buy Listrac-Médoc direct from the winemaker on Avenue des Vins. The wine comes to you directly from the producer who made it.

See also: AOC Haut-Médoc - AOC Médoc - Bordeaux Red Wines